Reminder: Franklin Line notice weekends - new schedule effective Mon - Nov 2

Weekend shuttle service

On weekends through Nov 22, buses replace service on the Franklin Line at Forge Park through Walpole to allow for double-track extension work. They will operate on a weekend train schedule. However, trains will operate between Walpole and South Station.

The shuttle buses will operate on the normal weekend train schedule and will be ADA accessible, though bikes will not be allowed on board. Trains may experience delays of up to 20 minutes due to the shuttle busing, please allow for additional travel time. 

Visit mbta.com/FRKwork and mbta.com/FRKdoubletrack for more details.

For more information: https://mbta.com/FRKwork

New schedule effective Nov 2

Fall/Winter Commuter Rail schedules go into effect on Monday, November 2. You can grab them at South Station, North Station & Back Bay or visit MBTA.com/cr to find out all the changes as we significantly increased service on all lines throughout the day.  

Effective Nov 2  https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2020-fall/2020-11-02-cr-franklin-accessible-v2.pdf 

Reminder:  Franklin Line notice weekends - new schedule effective Mon - Nov 2

MassHire Statewide Virtual Job Fair - November 10

The MassHire Department of Career Services Veterans Program and the MassHire Career Center System cordially invite you to our Statewide Virtual Job Fair on Tuesday, November 10, 2020.

Event Hours

9am to 10am (Veterans only)
10am to 2pm (General Public)

Explore job openings & chat with over 100 Employers! Including:

•     MBTA
•     Raytheon
•     Amazon
•     Boston College
•     V.A.
•     The Kraft Group
•     Catania Oils
•     Executive Office of Health and Human Services
•     Mass Bay Brewing Company
•     And Many More...

Job Fair Preparation

  -  You must register on MassHire JobQuest to obtain a Job Seeker ID which is needed to register for the job fair.
 -   You will also need a resume (PDF format) to register. If you need help with your resume please contact your local MassHire Career Center
  -  To register for the job fair go to https://portal.premiervirtual.com/event/register-jobseeker/2480-masshire-veterans-fair.

If you need any additional information please contact your local MassHire Career Center

MassHire Statewide Virtual Job Fair - November 10

 

In the News: "the shooting was not random"

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

"No one has been arrested in Thursday’s early-morning slaying of an Attleboro man, but authorities say they have found a car that may be connected to the shooting.

During the investigation of the shooting death of DeAndre Akeem Scott, Franklin police put out an alert to surrounding communities for a blue car. The car was found Thursday afternoon and police now have it, police spokesman Sgt. Brian Johnson said Friday.

“It will be processed for any evidence hopefully (Friday) once the proper paperwork is completed,” he said. “How it is related to the incident has not been released yet, just that we were looking for it, and we now have it.”

On Thursday, police responded to 25 Elwood Road at 12:43 a.m. and found Scott, 26, suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest. He was taken to Milford Regional Medical Center, where he was declared dead."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201030/franklin-police-impound-car-as-part-of-deandre-akeem-scott-murder-investigation?rssfeed=true

Related article on press release for the Franklin Police Dept

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/franklin-police-attleboro-man-killed-in.html

Franklin's Weekend - Oct 30-Nov 1, 2020

The final Farmers Market of this season on the Town Common. Last day for early voting (9 AM only to noon at Franklin High School). The Pumpkin Patch is open at St John's Episcopal Church Friday and Saturday with a costume contest to help close out the festivities there.

And then we turn the clocks BACK  an hour on Saturday night.

* Friday, October 30

9:00am -  Early voting

12:00pm -  Farmers Market

5:00pm -  Pumpkin Patch @ St John's

 

* Saturday, October 31

 Halloween

9:00am -  Advanced Depositing Of Early Voted Ballots

12:00pm -  Pumpkin Patch @ St John's

 

* Sunday, November 1

 Daylight Saving Time ends

9:00am -  Advanced Depositing Of Early Voted Ballots

 

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

 

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
 

Community Calendar

 

Registration is open for Holiday Mini Music Together Session

Registration is now open for our Holiday Mini Music Together Session at Franklin Music, Movement & Mindfulness.

Join us for the music, dance and silliness of the season In person, indoor, socially spaced classes as well as online only options available. Take .a break from the holiday craziness to connect with your children and have some holiday fun!

Register at https://app.mainstreetsites.com/dmn3567/register.aspx 

For more about Franklin Music, Movement & Mindfulness visit them online  https://www.franklinmmm.com/   

or on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinMusicMovementMindfulness/

Registration is open for Holiday Mini Music Together Session

St. John's Episcopal Church - "Stuff a Truck" - Nov 7

Bring your clothing, linens, and other soft goods
All items must be clean and in good, clean and sellable condition.
Our Goal is 150 bags to make $1,000

We Can Accept

• Clothes (bagged) - men's, women's and children's - shoes, fashion accessories, belts, purses, bags, backpacks
• Household Textiles (bagged) - blankets, sheets, towels, tablecloths, curtains

Please email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org to pledge the number of bags you will bring 

When:  November 7, 2020    9 AM-12 noon
 

Where:  St. John's Episcopal Church    

237 Pleasant Street, Franklin

 

 

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder for this event

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gq5is-OPk-NzuOE7X5m2nUUJINh8Ap1K/view?usp=sharing

 

St. John's Episcopal Church - "Stuff a Truck" - Nov 7

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 and Election Day Update

October 29, 2020 

Dear friends, 

As I mentioned last week, I continue to be concerned about the rising COVID-19 case levels in Massachusetts. I strongly encourage everyone to wear a mask whenever in public, practice physical distancing, and limit social engagements to small groups, held outdoors. We should all take advantage of any remaining days of Fall in New England before the freezing temperatures arrive. 

The most recent data report from the Department of Public Health indicates that many of the municipalities in our district experienced notably increased levels of COVID-19 infection. You can find more information in the weekly and daily reports available at the Department of Public Health's COVID-19 dashboard. 

Since my last news letter, my legislative colleagues and I acted on two critically important bills. The first bill would increase unemployment benefits for 17,000 people in Massachusetts who narrowly missed qualifying for the federal Lost Wages Assistance Grant due to a restrictive Trump Administration Rule. Some people missed the cutoff by a dollar. Our legislation closes that hurtful loophole by ensuring all unemployment recipients receive a minimum of $100 weekly, thereby making them eligible for additional financial support totaling as much as $1,800 each. I am proud that we acted swiftly to fix this and that the financial relief will be applied retroactively, providing a much needed boost to our neighbors most in need. 

Also, my Senate colleagues and I passed Laura's Law in memory of Laura Levis, who died mere feet from an emergency room due to dim lighting and the lack of signage outside a Boston-area hospital. This bill requires hospital emergency departments to have lighting and visible signage on their premises and to monitor all emergency access points to prevent another tragedy like this from happening in our Commonwealth. I am deeply proud of the Senate's commitment to Laura's legacy, and I now urge my House colleagues to take swift action to pass Laura's Law and send it to the Governor's desk. 

I anticipate a number of important legislative actions in the coming weeks as well. First, after several economic roundtables and fiscal forecasting by the Chairs of Ways and Means, the Baker administration, and other financial experts, I expect we will finalize the state budget for the current fiscal year. Unfortunately, we must do this without any further federal fiscal relief. Second, I hope to see conference committee reports on a number of bills currently under negotiation between the House and Senate, including important legislation to improve police accountability, a major investment in the Commonwealth's economic development, next-generation climate action policy, and expanded coverage of telemedicine services. 

Budgets and major bills are statements of our values; I will continue to advocate for our shared values of justice, fairness, equity, and service, as I have done throughout my tenure in the Senate. Consistent with the clear wishes of the majority of my constituents, I will also continue to push to pass the ROE Act, ever so much more pressing now that Roe v. Wade is all but certain to fall at the federal level.  

As always, if you or any of your loved ones in my district have fallen on hard times, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. My office line is 617-722-1555 and my email is becca.rausch@masenate.gov. We are here to help. You can also find robust resources to help you navigate through COVID-19 on my website.  

Wishing you and your families strength, health, and resilience.

Yours in service,  

Senator Becca Rausch 

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full contents, follow this link
https://mailchi.mp/da9c650d1f25/maearlyvoting2020-13198324?e=0c2c9810fe

https://www.beccarauschma.com/office-hours

Franklin Public Library: November 2020 News & Events

Franklin Public Library November 2020 News & Events

Library News

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Franklin Public Library is currently closed to the public. Curbside Pickup is available Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the vestibule of the entrance at the top of the parking lot ramp. Library Staff are available by phone (508-520-4941) and email (frkill@minlib.net) Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday hours are not available at this time.

The Library will be closed and Curbside Pickup will not be available on Wednesday, November 11 for Veteran's Day, and Thursday, November 26 for Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, November 25, the Library will be closing at 2:00 p.m., and Curbside Pickup will only be available 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

No donations are being accepted at this time. Please do not place them in the return bins or outside the building.

Curbside Pickup

How it works:

• Place a hold in the Minuteman Library Network catalog https://find.minlib.net
• Wait for a notification (email, text, phone call)
• Pick up your items at the Library Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the glass vestibule entrance at the top of the ramp.
• Items are filed by your last name on book carts
• Your items are already checked out to you, just bring them home!
• Prefer to make a request by phone? Give us a call between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 508-520-4941. We can place up to five holds per phone call.

Returns:

• Please return items in the return slots at the top of the ramp, to the left of the glass doors.
• To return an oversized item, call the Circulation Desk during Curbside Pickup hours and a staff person will meet you at the door to accept the item.
• Please call the Circulation Desk with any questions, or if you have mobility issues: 508-520-4941.

How to Get a Library Card While the Library is Closed

Apply for a Public Library Card Online!

If you have never had a Minuteman library card, click the link below to get a 6-month Minuteman library card. Please visit the Franklin Public Library when it is open to complete the library card application. When you pick up your card you must present a photo ID and proof of address.

Please sign up using a valid email address. Your temporary barcode and username will be emailed to you.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A FRANKLIN PUBLIC LIBRARY CARD!

Your temporary number allows you to:

• Login to My Account and establish a password.
• Use state-provided online research databases within Massachusetts only.
• Place up to 5 requests on Books, DVDs, CDs, etc. in the Minuteman Catalog for pickup at a Minuteman library.
• Use our Digital Catalog.

How to complete the registration:

• Pick up your full service library card at the Franklin Public Library once they reopen.
• After 6 months, temporary accounts, including item requests, are deleted.
• Please mention that you have already registered for a temporary card and bring your temporary library number or a copy of the confirmation email.
• When you pick up your card you must present a photo ID and proof of address.

New Materials

See the latest additions to the Franklin Public Library's collection of books, movies, and music for all ages!

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/new-materials

Online Resources

Even though we are closed to the public, the Library still has so much to offer! Here are updates and information regarding the Library's services during this closure:

• Our digital library is still open! Explore our collection of audiobooks, ebooks, and more at https://minuteman.overdrive.com/ . On your phone or tablet, download the Libby and Minuteman Library Network apps!
• Try out Kanopy, hoopla, and Consumer Reports on the Featured Databases page (exclusively available to Franklin residents).
• Learn something new, find articles for school assignments, read newspapers like the New York Times, or pick up a new skill using the links on our Databases & Research Resources page.
• Don't have a Library card? Apply for one online here https://library.minlib.net/selfreg ! This will give you access to all of our online resources and apps.
• Tune in to our Facebook page for streaming storytimes, book discussions, and other live programs. https://www.facebook.com/FranklinPublicLibrary/
• For email Reference service, or help with your library account, send questions to frkill@minlib.net . Inquiries will be answered within 24 hours.
• Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

Programs for Children and Teens

Weekly Virtual Events for Kids!

Wake Up Wiggles! Mondays 10:30AM on Facebook Live!

Zoom Tummy Time for Babies! Tuesdays @9:30AM

          email Miss Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net to register for Tummy Time!

Zoom Toe Tapping Tuesdays! (Super Silly Dance Class for Ages 2+!) Tuesdays @4:00PM

          email Miss Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net to register for Cool Cruisers!

Bookworm Bounce! Thursdays @4:00PM on Facebook Live!

Zoom Book Club for Kids Grades 3-5 (Alternating Saturday afternoons at 3:30PM)

Kids in Grades 3-5! Join us for awesome book discussions and fun activities! We are currently reading the 39 Clues Book 3 (The Sword Thief by Peter Lerangis) and having a blast trying to solve all the mysteries and make predictions with this thrilling series!  Email ckeating@minlib.net to get involved!

Reader's Choice Zoom Book Club for Teens! 

Join a group of avid readers as we choose a YA book or series to read together and then discuss over zoom! This casual book club meets on zoom at the convenience of the members, and we decide what to read together, and LOVE getting recommendations! Email ckeating@minlib.net to get involved!

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month on Zoom @7:30PM!

Teens! Want to get involved at the library from a distance? Join us as we plan teen-centric events, book displays, revamp our website and more! The perfect way to earn community service hours remotely! Email ckeating@minlib.net to get involved!

Special Programs for Families

Diwali Zoom Cooking Class

Saturday, November 7, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Join Miss Sandhya of Sandhya's Kitchen for a special zoom cooking class for kids and their grown ups! We will be making a special version of Gujjia in honor of Diwali! To register and receive the recipe and zoom link, please email ckeating@minlib.net!

Take and Make Craft: Diwali Diyas!

November 9-13

The library is celebrating Diwali with a special take-home craft kit! Pick up your very own clay diya lamp to decorate during the week of Diwali! Come to the library between 10AM-4:30PM and call the children's room (508-520-4941 ext 2) to pick up your very own diya and some supplies to decorate! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Diya kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

Programs for Adults

Hungrytown
Sunday, November 15, 3:00 p.m.

After more than a decade of world-wide touring and three album releases, Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson--otherwise known as the folk duo Hungrytown--have earned a reputation for the quality and authenticity of their songwriting: "It's great to hear an act eschew sentimentality in favor of honesty and to prove that you don't have to go raiding the memory of others to find the stuff that really good songs are made of," writes Jedd Beaudoin of Popmatters. Lyricist Hall is credited with compositions "that sound as timeless as any traditional songs" (Northern Sky, UK) while producer/multi-instrumentalist/husband Ken Anderson is lauded for his "remarkable affinity for instrumental embellishment" (No Depression) and for crafting Hungrytown's "gorgeous vocal harmonies" (Folk and Roots, UK). The couple continues to spend more than half of each year on the road, especially roads in North America, Europe and New Zealand. Hungrytown's music has received extensive radio airplay worldwide and has appeared on several television shows, including the Independent Film Channel's hit series, Portlandia.

For more information, please visit https://hungrytown.net . This performance will take place on Facebook Live http://facebook.com/hungrytown .

Kitchen Table Art Workshop: Chakra Gemstone & Lava Bead Bracelet

Sunday, November 15, 3:00 p.m.

Are you balanced and grounded in mind and body? We will create a stretch bracelet with gemstone beads and lava rock beads as we explore the significance of the chakra design. Your favorite essential oil can be placed on the lava beads to create a personal aromatherapy diffuser. This workshop is for adult and young adult artists and non-artists, no experience needed.

The Kitchen Table Art Workshop series is an online studio workshop to foster creativity and encourage experimentation. For more info and registration, please visit www.thecreativitycurator.com. Registration deadline is November 5th. Registration required. Please register early if you would like to receive one of the kits since quantities are limited. Priority is for Franklin residents. Registrants who don't receive a kit will be provided with a supply list to assemble their own.

Contact: Jacqueline Burke Volpe at thecreativitycurator@gmail.com .

Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, November 24, 7:00 p.m.

The book for discussion is The Silent Patient, by Alex Michaelides.

Alicia Berenson's life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house overlooking a park in one of London's most desirable areas. One evening, her husband, Gabriel, returns home late from work, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face and then never speaks another word. Alicia's refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure psychiatric unit in North London. Criminal psychotherapist Theo Faber is captivated by Alicia's story and jumps at the opportunity to work with her. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a path more unexpected, more terrifying than he ever imagined--a search for the truth that threatens to consume him.

To reserve a copy of the book or for more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net . To register, please visit  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEscuqupjgoGd0XAfQuUAIIChGwkzLwWWsx  .

Read more

FHS Back-To-School Video (Hybrid School Tour)

Check out this FHS School Tour! Thanks to
@A_Shetty02 for helping our TV students produce a video walk-through of all the new hybrid protocols. 

Video link = https://youtu.be/sPhn8N6qQnM

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1321927638248730624?s=03

Thanksgiving during COVID-19

"Mass DPH has released the following guidance for the upcoming holiday. 

Read the details here https://t.co/D1kipWiVud @massdph "

 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/O8znIm40io

Thanksgiving during COVID-19

There could be more to the story

"Normalizing the topic of mental health helps people seek and get the resources and assistance they need.  

Learn more:  https://t.co/glq989RwoI #mentalhealth #awareness"

 

Shared from Town of Franklin Twitter: 

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1320761366001733633?s=03

 

 YouTube link = https://youtu.be/vitUPDsWAGk

"added 54 communities to the red this week"

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

"More than one-third of the cities and towns in Massachusetts now stand in the Department of Public Health’s highest risk designation for COVID-19, while the statewide incidence rate increased again in the latest weekly report.

The state’s color-coded system counts 121 municipalities in the red, representing an average daily incidence rate of 8 cases per 100,000 or higher over the past 14 days, in Thursday’s update.

Locally, Bellingham, Dover, Mendon, Northborough, Southborough and Westborough have been added to the list.

Milford is among communities required to revert to the first step of Phase 3 in the reopening plan, starting Monday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201029/bellingham-mendon-boroughs-added-to-coronavirus-red-zone-milford-must-take-step-back?rssfeed=true

 

The interactive version of this state map can be found

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/community-level-covid-19-data-reporting

 

"added 54 communities to the red this week"

 

 

Social Security in Plain Language

 

 

Social Security in Plain Language

Some of the terms and acronyms people use when they talk about Social Security can be a little confusing. We’re here to help you understand all you need to know.

We strive to explain your benefits using easy-to-understand, plain language. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate clearly in a way “the public can understand and use.” This can be particularly challenging when talking about complicated programs like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare. If there’s a technical term or acronym that you don’t know, you can easily find the meaning in our online glossary (https://www.ssa.gov/agency/glossary/).

 

Continue reading = https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-in-plain-language/

“People see the opportunity to protect the best for our town"

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

"Among the questions on the general election ballot is one that is all about benefiting Franklin, supporters say.

The question asks Franklin voters to support adoption of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) for Franklin -- a step that would allow the town to raise money for open space and historic preservation, recreation, and community housing by adding a 2 percent surcharge to property taxes.

If the initiative is approved, the town will join the ranks of 177 other Massachusetts towns that have also adopted the CPA. Additionally, it would make the town eligible for a portion of funds the state collects each year from fees on home sale transactions, to be used in tandem with surcharge funds raised by the town.

The proposed 2 percent surcharge -- minus an automatic $100,000 exemption on residential properties -- would cost about $105 per year for the average Franklin taxpayer. That is based on the town’s average home value of $460,000. Exemptions would be offered for low-income families and moderate-income seniors."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20201028/franklin-looks-to-adopt-community-preservation-act-question-is-on-ballot 

Franklin Police: Attleboro man killed in Franklin

On Thursday October 29, 2020 in the early morning hours the Franklin Police responded to a 911 call reporting a male party who had suffered a gunshot on Elwood Road.

Initial officers rendered first aid to the victim along with paramedics from the Franklin Fire Department. The victim was transported to Milford Regional Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The victim has been identified as Deandre Akeem Scott, age 26, of Attleboro.

Franklin Police detectives, along with detectives from the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s office are actively investigating and processing the scene at this time.

Chief of Police Thomas J. Lynch stated, “we do not believe there is any danger to the public, and that the suspect or suspects, knew each other.” Lynch continued “this is the first incident of this type in Franklin since 1997. Franklin remains a safe community, and the public should have no worries in sending their children to school today.”

Due to the ongoing active investigation no further details will be released at this time. Franklin Police will update when it is appropriate to do so.

 

Franklin Police: Attleboro man killed in Franklin

Franklin receives $18,000 from Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP)

The Baker-Polito Administration today (Oct 28, 2020) announced $3.2 million in grant funding to 269 municipalities and regional solid waste districts through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP). The grants will help communities across the Commonwealth maximize their recycling, composting and waste reduction programs.
 
“Some of the most important environmental protection work happens every day in communities throughout Massachusetts through local recycling and solid waste programs,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With this assistance, we are ensuring that local officials, residents and small business owners can continue protecting the Commonwealth’s neighborhoods and natural resources.”
 
“Under the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, municipalities and solid waste districts are working even harder to improve recycling programs and reduce waste, which has resulted in a seven percent increase in funding over last year,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “With these grants, our administration and our local partners are making a difference in communities across the Commonwealth.”
 
Under SMRP, 227 communities qualified for the Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) and will receive payments ranging from $2,450 to $97,500. The RDP recognizes municipalities that have implemented policies and programs proven to maximize materials reuse and recycling, as well as waste reduction. Communities that earn RDP payments must reinvest the funds in their recycling programs for things such as new recycling bins or carts, public education and outreach campaigns, collection of hard-to-recycle items and the establishment of recycling programs in schools, municipal buildings and other public spaces.
 
“The Baker-Polito Administration is currently working to finalize the Commonwealth’s Solid Waste Master Plan for the next decade, which will establish aggressive goals to reduce our waste disposal and increase recycling,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “We are pleased to offer this assistance to help communities cycle resources back into our economy and support local businesses throughout the collection, processing and manufacturing chain.”
 
As part of this SMRP grant round, 42 municipalities that did not apply for or qualify for an RDP payment will be awarded a total of $45,250 for a Small-Scale Initiatives Grant. These population-based grants range from $500 to $2,000 each and help communities purchase modest, but critical recycling materials and outreach tools needed to sustain their existing recycling program or to facilitate new, low-cost initiatives. Each of these SMRP programs are administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
 
“These new funds give communities the opportunity to make critical investments in their recycling programs, capturing more materials that can be reused, and helping them to reduce their waste disposal costs,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “This is another example of MassDEP’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with our local communities.”
 
The RDP was rolled out in 2014 under MassDEP’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, which was created by the Green Communities Act of 2008. The Act requires that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Waste Energy Certificates (WECs) be directed to recycling programs approved by MassDEP. The SMRP initiative has provided more than $41.6 million in recycling programs since 2010.
 
Twelve municipalities earned a payment of at least $50,000: Cambridge at $97,500; New Bedford at $91,000; Boston at $80,000; Springfield and Worcester at $71,500; Brockton, Lowell, Newton and Quincy earning between $60,000 and $70,000; and Brookline, Chicopee and Lynn earning between $50,000 and $60,000. Nine municipalities are first-time recipients of Recycling Dividends Program funds.

“Massachusetts’ commitment to sustainable practices is one of the reasons our quality of life is so high here,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I am thrilled that so many communities in my district and across the Commonwealth have shown success in their recycling programs and will receive additional resources to continue investing in that success.”
 
“Massachusetts residents are committed to recycling and these grants will go a long way to promote and increase recycling in homes, municipal buildings and industry,” said State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “I am delighted that communities in our area and across the state are being recognized and supported for their efforts.”

“Promoting recycling and reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills is critical to protecting the environment, not only today but also for future generations,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “The Sustainable Materials Recovery Program provides an important funding source to help communities expand their recycling and composting efforts, and I am thrilled to see that three of the towns in my district will share in the latest round of funding awards.”
 
“Increasing sustainable consumer practices and improving recycling programs are important steps in fighting climate change and bettering the health of our planet,” said State Representative Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lenox), House Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture. “The grants awarded by the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program go far in improving recycling systems at the local level, which translate into better overall results at the state level. The six communities in my district that are receiving funds through this program will be well served by the improvements these grants will facilitate.”

“To have this grant money come back to the district is great, especially due to the fact that Amesbury and Newburyport are communities that demonstrate the importance of environmental consciousness,” said State Representative James Kelcourse (R-Amesbury). “This funding will help these cities continue to lead in establishing creative, new recycling efforts, and to push forward on a path toward a more sustainable future.”
 
See a list of the 269 RDP and Small-Scale grant awards here (https://www.mass.gov/doc/list-of-2020-first-round-municipalregional-grant-awards-october-2020/download).

 
The WEC payments received by MassDEP are deposited into the SMRP Expendable Trust, which is used to fund grants, technical assistance and educational outreach to help communities, businesses and institutions increase recycling and reduce waste.
 
MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources. 

Franklin receives $18,000 from Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP)

Monster Dash: Fund raising fitness event - Oct 30

Franklin Interact Monster Dash has been postponed to Nov13 due to the weather. The sign up will remain open until then :)

https://twitter.com/FranklinIntera1/status/1321960710658756610

From Pantherbook we share the following:  

"Looking for a way to help your community while still being able to have fun this Halloween season? Join the Franklin Interacts Club in participating in the Monster Dash being held on October 30th to help raise money for donations to local shelters! 

The Franklin Interacts Club is a group which organizes projects every year to help others in their local communities. According to Saivagmita Kantheti, a member of the organization, the purpose of the club is to “connect with other young people and have fun while serving their communities and learning about the world”. Most of their work revolves around helping the Franklin Food Pantry and other shelters in Massachusetts. "

Continue reading about the Monster Dash:
https://franklinpanthers.us/clubs-activities/2020/10/26/the-franklin-interacts-club-presents-the-monster-dash/

Monster Dash: Fund raising fitness event - Oct 30

FHS boys soccer earn tie vs. Mansfield

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the fall sports results for Franklin High School on Wednesday, Oct 28. 

Boys Soccer = Mansfield, 0 @ Franklin, 0 – Final 
– A well-played, competitive match ended up with both Mansfield and Franklin earning a point on Wednesday night. Both coaches praised the work ethic from both sides and agreed it was a hard-fought match from both squads. Eric Sullivan earned the shutout in net behind a strong defensive performance from the Hornets. Franklin’s Luc Boudreau picked up his first shutout, earning the praise of head coach Fran Bositis for his continued improvement throughout the season.

Golf = Franklin, 154 @ Mansfield, 145 – Final 

– Mansfield set a new home course record and finished undefeated against division opponents, clinching the Kelley-Rex division title outright with a win over Franklin. Mansfield senior Ryan Dow fired a two-under par round of 33 to pace the Hornets to the division title clinching win while Cian Goulet added a 36, and both Nate Morreale and Jason See shot 38. Franklin’s Nolan Norton shot an even par round of 35 while Pat Dolan added a 38 and Jack Paterson shot a 39.

Girls Soccer = Franklin, 0 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap for girls soccer:

"As Franklin raced away from the corner kick with the ball, there was the faint sound of a whistle. There was some hesitation but the Panthers kept running and, with no other signal from the officials, the Mansfield players chased back. The play continued upfield and Franklin was able to get off a shot that went wide of the post.

Before Hornets goalie Olivia Salisbury could put the ball back into play, confusion erupted. The official that had been trailing the play ran across the field to talk to his partner. After a conversation, the officials ruled that a Franklin player had headed the ball on the corner and, despite the amount of time that passed, pulled play back to the edge of the Franklin penalty area for an indirect free kick.

Mansfield didn’t waste the opportunity. Isabella Lennon took the touch to set up Cathryn Cooney and the senior blasted an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner, out of the reach of Franklin keeper Rachel Welch’s dive.

It was the game’s only goal. For the second time in two days, the Hornets beat Franklin 1-0, sweeping the season series, making it six games unbeaten, and moving within two points of the league-leading Panthers in the Kelley-Rex division standings."

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/cooney-goal-helps-mansfield-girls-soccer-score-sweep-of-franklin/

Click here for a photo gallery from this game

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2020-2021/Fall-2020/Mansfield-Franklin-Girls-Soccer-10-28-20/.

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-28-20/

Cathryn Cooney (12) struck with a third quarter free kick to lift Mansfield to a second straight 1-0 win against Franklin. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

CommonWealth Magazine: Budd nominated as chief justice; Baker PAC spends more backing Kelly

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

"Baker nominates Kimberly Budd as chief justice" 

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER on Wednesday nominated Associate Justice Kimberly S. Budd, the only person of color on the Supreme Judicial Court, to become chief justice — the highest judicial position in the state.

If confirmed, Budd would become the first black woman to lead the court in its 328-year history, and only the second black chief justice, after Roderick L. Ireland. She is the third African American to serve as a justice on the SJC. At 54, she would also be the state’s youngest chief justice in 150 years.

Budd was nominated to the court by Baker in 2016 after Justice Fernande Duffly’s retirement. She is one of three women on the seven-member court, along with Elspeth Cypher and Barbara Lenk."

Continue reading article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-nominates-kimberly-budd-as-chief-justice/

 

"Baker PAC spends more backing GOP candidates"

"Baker’s PAC also spent heavily trying to prevent the Republican Party from losing more ground in the state Senate, where the GOP currently holds just four seats. The PAC supported incumbent Republican Sens. Ryan Fattman of Webster and Patrick O’Connor of Weymouth with advertising expenditures of $53,251 and $53,594, respectively. The PAC also spent $50,244 supporting Republican challenger Matthew Kelly of Franklin, who is trying to unseat Democratic Sen. Becca Rausch of Needham."

Continue reading article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/baker-pac-spends-more-backing-gop-candidates/

Protect the Results - Nov 4

Many people are wondering whether President Trump could be serious when he says he might not accept the results of the coming election.

 

Foremost among the organizations taking this possibility seriously is Protect the Results.  It has formed a coalition of more than 100 groups representing people nationwide who are concerned about this election.  The message is simple:  Count All the Votes.  They believe that any democracy rests on the integrity of its elections.

These people are prepared to stand out peacefully in public to convey this message if Trump tries to claim victory or stop every vote from being counted. Such events will probably begin on the day after the election (Wed Nov 4).  Similar demonstrations may occur on ensuing days, depending on whether disruptions to the democratic process are continuing.  

Protect the Results lists 379 different events across the country, including many in Massachusetts.    

 

Anyone wishing to participate in the event at the Franklin Common can get more information and can sign up at Protecttheresults.com. 

 

 

Protect the Results - Nov 4