Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast October 23, 2020

Hello Everyone!

I hope you have been enjoying the beautiful colors Mother Nature is bringing to the area. There is nothing quite like a hike in the crisp air through crunching colorful leaves!

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/

Next Friday! 

October 30th 1:30pm - Healthy never Tasted So Good - Chef Edmond from The Enclave of Franklin will demo the steps to prepare a Seasonal Main course dish, focusing on Brain healthy ingredients and Super Foods. The menu includes Pasta Primavera with fresh seasonal vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, olives, carrots and herbs) in an olive oil, garlic sauce with grated Parmesan Cheese We will also have the Recipe and a sampling in "to-go" containers available for any attendees. Drive by Pick UP at the Enclave Friday afternoon for all attendees.  Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend RSVP Required by 10/27th.

Tips

Caregivers- The Alzheimer's Association's New England chapters have developed resources to help those with Alzheimer's, dementia and their caregivers navigate the challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis.  Click the link below for more information. 

https://www.alz.org/manh/events/covid-resources/covid-19-resources

Chair Yoga for the spine.  6 gentle movements

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqh8Be8noB4 

Paul Eugene Lantin Dance moves.  Fun and fitness at home! Mambo cha cha cha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qUCfP7Oz7Q 

Music

Relaxing piano music.  Soothes away stress, anxiety and helps you relax.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b4BjxrIp8o 

The sound of music soundtrack with videos from the movie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drnBMAEA3AM&list=PL3u6hJBqcpjCWKO6kjoDRwI7H7sPUEayd 

Just for Fun

Zinnia TV was created by Allyson Schrier, a dementia educator for her Husband who has early onset dementia.  Zinnia has hundreds of 5-10 minute videos, paced for those with various stages of dementia with topics ranging from gardening, skiing, dogs, and pretty much anything you can think of.  Videos can be watched independently and more specifically used for caregivers as conversation starters and a way to meaningfully engage. 

https://www.zinniatv.com/ 

 

Life's unexpected moments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQogNW-DkbA 

 

Animals caught in the act

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPNXj87PkXw 

 

Stubborn Home Owners

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZJVjfeqsCM 

 

Spectacular drone footage of Fall foliage in New England. 

http://dronesonvideo.com/new-england-fall-foliage/ 

Humor

Jeanne Robertson - Learning cursive...or not

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4OxmFfKStA 

Abott and Costello "Who's on First"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTcRRaXV-fg 

Kindness Matters

Unsung Hero - This is always one of my favorite reminders that kindness is not only for others but also for yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaWA2GbcnJU&feature=emb_logo 

Homeless, Ex-Marine plays the piano on the streets.  Hear his incredible story.

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

Attached you will find:

• Donna's fun filled activity pages

• Baking Cookies Crossword

• Fall color/paint by number sheet

• Harvest Moon Word Find

EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS AT THE FRANKLIN SENIOR CENTER

October special events -call the Franklin Senior Center, visit our website or check out the October newsletter for more details about these programs! 

• Oct. 26th - Norfolk County Sheriff presents "Scams"

• Oct. 26th - 2pm- Memory Cafe with Wayne Neon

• Oct. 30th - 1:30pm- Healthy Never Tasted So Good - cooking demonstration and food pick up

October daily events - contact the senior center, visit our website or the newsletter for more details about our weekly offerings. 

MONDAYS:  

• Tele Bingo - call in game

• Book Discussion Group (Page Turners) 1st Monday of the Month

TUESDAYS: 

• Chair Exercises

• Low Vision Support Group (1st and 3rd Tuesday)

• Audio Book Club (2nd and 4th Tuesday)

• Quarantini Time - Social cocktail group

WEDNESDAYS: 

• Blood Pressure and Sugar screenings

• Zumba gold

• Wellness consults via phone

• Medical equipment distribution and donations

• Fibromyalgia support group (1st wed of the month)

• Caregivers Support Group (2nd and 4th wed)

THURSDAYS: 

• Chair exercise

• Cardio strength and balance class

• Current events discussion group

FRIDAYS: 

• TOPS (Taking off pounds sensibly)

• SUNSHINE group (supportive Day)

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

Franklin High School: hybrid bell schedule

FHS moving to hybrid bell schedule begins next week! https://t.co/ZgocXNGm8G

FHS hybrid bell schedule

Community Compact Connector: Small Business Grants are now open!

COVID-19 Small Business Grants: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made $50.8 million in grants available to support small businesses, microenterprises, and their employees, families and communities. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will be administering these funds to businesses experiencing economic hardship and a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These funds were appropriated through the Commonwealth’s Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) as well as the CARES Act of 2020 and are divided into two programs, Small Business Grants for 5 or fewer employees and Small Business Grants for 50 or fewer employees.

The application opens at 12:00PM on 10/22/2020 and will close at 12:00PM on 11/12/2020. For more information click here https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/covid-19-grants-massachusetts-small-businesses.

To stay informed regarding both existing and upcoming grant opportunities, please bookmark the Community Compact Connector website https://www.mass.gov/community-compact-connector. 

COVID-19 Small Business Grants

Voices of Franklin: Raymond D Milici for Senator Becca Rausch

Throughout the Norfolk Bristol Middlesex District you will find Becca everywhere, especially here in Franklin. It was great seeing and talking to Senator Rausch at the 2019 Fourth of July celebration on the commons and again at the Harvest Festival, enjoying the people and the rich culture of Franklin. Whether it be in person practicing social distancing or on zoom, it’s nice to have her in our community.

She is one of the hardest working senators on Beacon Hill today. Her record is impressive. She is a leader on issues such as expanding voting access, fighting for reproductive health and justice, child care, education, equal rights and more.

There are issues that are especially important to me. The first is transparency and government accountability. I want to know how legislators are voting, whether it’s a voice vote on the chamber floor or who’s voting on what issues in committee, Senator Rausch wants change. The other issue is climate. Our planet is on fire and hurricanes are causing havoc to our coastlines. The Senator is in the battle to save our planet, cosponsoring a number of climate legislative acts and signing the no fossil fuel money pledge.

Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican you have to appreciate Senator Rausch’s competency and commitment to her constituents. The proof of that was evident in Her debate performance on October 6. It became clear to me that there is no reason to go back to the same mediocre politics of the past. We don’t need any more so-called moderate Republicans that seem to be okay with President Trump, no matter what he says or does, not here in Franklin or anywhere in the Norfolk Bristol Middlesex District. I’m voting for Becca.

Raymond D Milici

Franklin

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

COVID-19 clinical trial: real or fake? Learn how to tell the difference.

COVID-19 clinical trial: real or fake? Learn how to tell the difference. by Jim Kreidler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC There are thousands of trials underway as companies race to find effective vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. Many of these research studies are legitimate, but some are not.  So, if you're thinking about volunteering for a COVID-19 trial, it's important to know how to spot the real trials advancing medicine for everyone, versus the fake ones trying to steal your money and personal information. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/10/covid-19-clinical-trial-real-or-fake-learn-how-tell-difference This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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“We’re disappointed. It’s out of our control”

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

"An “unfortunate situation” is how Hudson High School ice hockey coach Michael Nanartowich described the two-week shutdown of all indoor ice rinks and ice skating facilities statewide due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases in the sport.

The state Department of Public Health announced the move Thursday. The shutdown starts 5 p.m. Friday and runs until Nov. 7.

Nanartowich, entering his 31st year as Hudson High’s coach, believes it’s possible one pocket of COVID-19 activity may be affecting the entire Massachusetts hockey community."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201023/unfortunate-situation-ice-hockey-community-laments-2-week-shutdown-of-rinks-due-to-covid-19-spread?rssfeed=true 

In the News: "Jennifer O’Malley Dillon is from Franklin"

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

"Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s campaign manager may be a familiar name to Greater Milford residents.

Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, who was named to the position in March, graduated from Franklin High School. Here’s what we know about her:

1) She’s a Franklin native.

O’Malley Dillon graduated from Franklin High School in the early 1990s."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201021/jennifer-omalley-dillon-is-from-franklin-four-things-to-know-about-joe-bidens-campaign-manager?rssfeed=true

Article from Washington Post in August

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/washington-post-how-jennifer-omalley.html

Reminder - Franklin Line: shuttle buses on weekends through Nov 22

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 

Reminder - Franklin Line: shuttle buses on weekends through Nov 22

Franklin's weekend outlook - Oct 23-25, 2020

The calendar of events is beginning to get filled with things to do. Please continue to be good about social distance, masking, etc. so we can all begin to resume a healthy life here. 

 

Friday, October 23

9:00am -  Early voting

12:00pm -  Farmers Market

5:00pm -  Pumpkin Patch @ St John's

7:30pm -  FPAC: "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"

 

Saturday, October 24

9:00am -  Bicycle recycling

10:00am - Early voting

12:00pm -  Pumpkin Patch @ St John's

2:00pm -  FPAC: "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"

4:00pm -  Reverse Trunk or Treat

6:00pm -  couRAEgeous Pumpkin Festival

7:30pm -  FPAC: "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"

 

Sunday, October 25

10:00am -  Early voting

12:00pm -  Pumpkin Patch @ St John's

2:00pm -  FPAC: "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"

3:00pm -  Franklin Library: Kitchen Table Art Workshop - Beeswax Ink Transfers

 

 

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

 

ZOOM - Name that Tune!

Join us for what is sure to be a laugh inducing, roaring, good time! 

Stroll down memory lane, but not too slowly or someone else might beat you to the buzzer. Prizes will be awarded to the top winners! Limited to 20 people. 

Email: Adoggett@franklinma.gov to sign up!

 

Check out other events in the last week of October for the Senior Center

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/franklin-senior-center-connection.html

ZOOM - Name that Tune!

 

FHS field hockey team tops Taunton

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the fall sports results for Franklin High School on Thursday, Oct 22.

Field Hockey = Franklin, 6 @ Taunton, 0 – Final 

– Franklin scored all six goals in the second half, including four in the fourth quarter, to pull away from Taunton. The teams battled through a scoreless first half before the Panthers broke through just over a minute into the third. Amanda Lewandowski opened the scoring with an unassisted strike, adding two more in the fourth quarter for a hat trick. Kaitlyn Carney scored to make it 2-0 in the third quarter and Stephanie Bell tacked on two fourth quarter goals. Natalie Blasie had a standout play defensively, preserving the shutout for Franklin.

 

For other results around the Hockomock League   

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-22-20/

 

FHS field hockey team tops Taunton

Panther News Friday October 23, 2020 (video)

Panther News Friday October 23, 2020.  Produced by the FHS TV Production Classes

 

"Are we changed forever by the pandemic?"

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

"WHAT IF our lives are never the same again?

It took a blunt cabinet secretary at a dry state budget hearing to voice the fears of millions.

For Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack, the issue was, unsurprisingly, transportation. “The COVID pandemic may well have changed travel and transportation forever,” Pollack said at a hearing before the Legislature’s Ways and Means Committees on Wednesday.

Working from home, online shopping, and remote learning, Pollack said, have reshaped the needs of travelers. She said state officials have “begun to plan for a post-COVID world where some of the changes in travel remain long after the pandemic has been vanquished.”

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/are-we-changed-forever-by-the-pandemic-2/

In my regular series of conversations with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, we have talked of the genie is out of the bottle and how there are aspects of life that we should not go back to, there are improvements already available. 

One clear example, is the public meeting format. We have had greater participation via Zoom, cable broadcast and the hybrid meeting room that we ever could accomplish in the Council Chambers. The Chambers fit approx 75 people. The School Committee meetings have had over 300 a couple of times. The Council budget hearings had 1,000 over the two night radio broadcast.

The market study and the business listening sessions are a good opportunity to help figure out what doing business in Franklin will be like as the pandemic continues. No one has the 'crystal ball' as to what things will look like post-pandemic.

Transportation forecast already show lingering effects of the pandemic. In case you missed the study and meeting referenced here, check this link:  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/none-of-three-scenarios-developed-by.html

"Are we changed forever by the pandemic?"

In the News: Fire Dept honros their fallen; Historical Museum to reopen Sundays in November

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

"It’s the time of year when many take time out to honor those who have passed on, and the Franklin Fire Department is among them.

Last Sunday, the department hosted its Second Annual Firefighters Memorial service at the fire headquarters in downtown Franklin.

Fire Chief James McLaughlin said the memorial is organized “to pay respect to the former members of the department that have passed away, as well as past line-of-duty deaths.”

Fire Department chaplain Rick Marcoux gave the invocation and benediction. Also addressing the gathering were Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and state Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin. Members of the Franklin Town Council were in attendance as well."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201029/gone-but-not-forgotten-memorial-service-held-in-honor-of-franklin-fire-depts-departed-members?rssfeed=true 

 

 

detail of the side of the 1949 American LaFrance

"The Historic Commission recently announced that the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St., will be open again weekly from 1-4 p.m. on Sundays, starting this weekend.

The museum features a new and improved gift shop, featuring new items unique to Franklin.

This year the museum is offering two new holiday ornaments: One depicting the Ray Memorial Library and the other featuring the downtown water trough in Clark Square. Ornaments are selling for $18 each.

Other items added to the gift shop are hometown candles, pillows, mugs and more. The gift shop is run by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Profits go toward supporting museum programs. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201029/franklin-historical-museum-reopening-sundays-adds-new-town-themed-christmas-ornaments-to-gift-shop?rssfeed=true

 

Historical Museum to reopen Sundays in November

In the News: "State plan prioritizes three groups for vaccine"

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

"Adults over 65 will join frontline health care workers, residents with underlying medical conditions that increase their risks from COVID-19, and other essential workers as the first to qualify for COVID-19 vaccines in Massachusetts, the Baker administration said.

During a visit Tuesday to a new Suffolk Downs testing facility Tuesday, Gov. Charlie Baker outlined a rough sketch of the state’s draft plan for distributing an inoculation for the highly infectious virus once it becomes available.

The plan was submitted by the administration to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week.

“The plan also outlines our messaging efforts to make sure people know, once there is a vaccine available, that it has been approved by the federal government and is safe and effective,” Baker said. “We’ll also make it a priority to reach out specifically to groups that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including people and communities of color.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201021/state-plan-prioritizes-three-groups-for-vaccine?rssfeed=true

In the News: "State plan prioritizes three groups for vaccine"

THE BLACK BOX "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" - Oct 23, 24, and 25

Franklin Performing Arts Company's socially-distanced production of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown which will play its final weekend this Friday through Sunday under the Dean Bank Tent at THE BLACK BOX.

With socially distanced staging, Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life's great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. The charming music and humorous vignettes brought to life by the beloved Peanuts characters, offer the laughs and entertainment we need right about now!!

Enjoy and all-star FPAC cast including Nick Paone as Snoopy, Katie Gray as Lucy, Austin Davy as Schroeder, Tim Ayres-Kerr as Linus, Ali Funkhouser as Sally, and featuring Julian DiChiara as Charlie Brown.

Directed by Raye Lynn Mercer with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell, the production is creatively staged with the actors socially distanced. Audience seating will be socially distanced and face coverings are required.

Based on the Comic Strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz / Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner / Originally Produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and Gene Persson / Originally Directed in New York by Joseph Hardy

Performances are scheduled for Oct 23, 24 and 25.

GET TICKETS = https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1418

 

THE BLACK BOX "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" - Oct 23, 24, and 25

 

Franklin has 33 active cases (all in quarantine)

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

"The daily positive COVID-19 test rate in Massachusetts on Wednesday was more than 5%, according to the latest daily report from the Department of Public Health.

Officials also announced Wednesday that the weekly report, which contains a town-by-town map of COVID-19 spread rates, was pushed back to Thursday afternoon.

The 646 newly confirmed cases brings the statewide total for the pandemic to 142,941. 

------

This marks the sixth consecutive day the state’s positivity rate is above 4% and the first day above 5% since early June."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201021/states-covid-19-positivity--test-rate-is-above-5-for-first-time-since-early-june?rssfeed=true

As mentioned during the Board of Health meeting on Wednesday, and then also in the Town Council meeting at night, Franklin has 33 active cases (all in quarantine). This number is the highest it had been since June. 

Please take care of yourself and others. Wear a mask, maintain social distance!

Shared from the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/town-franklin-news-and-alerts

 

Franklin has 33 active cases (all in quarantine)

 

Town of Franklin: Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots From Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots

In accordance with the Secretary of State Regulations 47.12 and under the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the Town of Franklin will be opening early voted ballots at the Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street at the following sessions:

•     Sunday, October 25th    10:00 AM
•     Monday, October 26th    9:00 AM
•     Tuesday, October 27th    9:00 AM
•     Wednesday, October 28th    9:00 AM
•     Thursday, October 29th    9:00 AM
•     Friday, October 30th    9:00 AM

In accordance with the Secretary of State Regulations 47.12 and under the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the Town of Franklin will be depositing early voted ballots at the Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street at the following sessions:

•     Saturday, October 31st    9:00 AM
•     Sunday, November 1st    9:00 AM

We respectfully ask that observers register by emailing townclerk@franklinma.gov in advance of all early voted ballots sessions.

In accordance with the Regulations 47.12 and the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, no results shall be determined or announced until after the time the polls close on November 3rd. At that time the results from the advance processed ballots will be added to the election day results and posted in a public place.


355 East Central St., Franklin Ma. Main Line - 508-520-4900/e-mail- townclerk@franklinma.gov 

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots

FHS golf, and the girls and boys soccer teams all post wins vs Taunton

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the fall sports results for Franklin High School on Wednesday, Oct 21.

 

Boys Soccer = Taunton, 1 @ Franklin, 2 – Final 

– Franklin scored a pair of first quarter goals a minute apart and held on the rest of the way to earn two points at home over visiting Taunton. Ben Moccia opened the scoring for the Panthers, finishing off a feed from Charlie Amante for a 1-0 advantage. Just a minute later, Ryan Witt set up Ethan Cain, who scored for the third straight game, for a 2-0 lead. Taunton sophomore Riley Rebello cut the deficit in half with an unassisted goal in the second quarter. 

 

Girls Soccer = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final 

– Clare Bowen’s hat trick keeps the Panthers rolling along, having won all six of their games so far this season and extending their lead to six points in division standings (second-place KP plays on Thursday). Jamie Tanner and Riley Fitzpatrick also scored for Franklin. Izzy Arnold had a pair of assists, while Norah Anderson, Erin Quaile, and Tanner each had one helper apiece. 

 

Golf = Taunton, 194 @ Franklin, 149 – Final 

– Franklin earned its eighth straight win to start the season behind an impressive two-under par round of 33 from senior Jack Paterson. Sean Connelly added a 38 in the win while both Nolan Norton and Pat Dolan carded rounds of 39. Spencer Andrews was Taunton’s top performer, coming in with a team-low round of 44.  

 

For other results around the Hockomock League  

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-21-20/

 

 

FHS golf, and the girls and boys soccer teams all post wins vs Taunton

In the News: another one month budget extention for FY 2021

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

"Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday filed a new temporary budget to keep state government running through the end of November, a plan that landed as lawmakers were reviewing his revised $45.5 billion annual spending plan.

The $5.4 billion bill would be the state’s third interim budget for the fiscal year that started in July, and its passage will give lawmakers a few more weeks to put together a budget for the remainder of fiscal 2021.

The governor has said he wants the House and Senate to return a finished budget to him by Thanksgiving."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201021/baker-files-interim-budget-to-cover-spending-through-november?rssfeed=true

 

"Without revealing how the Legislature would respond to the revised annual spending plan Gov. Charlie Baker unveiled last week, Senate President Karen Spilka on Wednesday praised Beacon Hill’s decision to “hit pause” on the state budget process.

Delaying negotiations about the fiscal 2021 state budget from the usual springtime schedule, she said, allowed legislative leaders and the Baker administration to get a clearer sense of how the pandemic will impact the state’s financial outlook before deciding on how to close any shortfall.

The delay has also meant Massachusetts is one of the last states without a budget so deep into the fiscal year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201021/budgets-very-late-but-spilka-sees-wisdom-in-waiting?rssfeed=true

 

CommonWealth Magazine: "Salem BOOting visitors out for Halloween"

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

"SALEM MAYOR Kim Driscoll and Gov. Charlie Baker urged the public to stay away from the city until Halloween is over to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and announced a series of weekend measures to discourage visitors, including the shuttering of parking garages, 8 p.m. closings of restaurants and stores, and the shutdown of the municipality’s commuter rail stop.

“This is not the year to come to Salem,” said Driscoll who, even with the unprecedented crowd control measures, insisted “Salem will not be a ghost town on Halloween.”

Baker said in the past 50,000 to 60,000 people have shown up in Salem the weekend before Halloween and Halloween weekend. “The mall area is literally shoulder to shoulder,” he said."

 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/salem-booting-visitors-out-for-halloween/

Gov Baker's press conference in Salem on Wednesday:  https://youtu.be/qQTiO2Kc8Z4

Scams that start on social media

Scams that start on social media by Bridget Small, Division of Consumer & Business Education Scammers are hiding out on social media, using ads and offers to market their scams, according to people's reports to the FTC and a new Data Spotlight. In the first six months of 2020, people reported losing a record high of almost $117 million to scams that started on social media. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/10/scams-start-social-media?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Agenda - Oct 21, 2020

AGENDA

1)    OLD BUSINESS
2)    NEW BUSINESS

• Discussion of the opening of Express Enrichment  
• Chairman opens the floor for any other new business

3)    CITIZENS COMMENTARY
4)    ADJOURNMENT

 

The full agenda and connection info this meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-10-21-20.pdf

 

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Agenda - Oct 21, 2020

FM #366 Franklin Lions to hold "Trunk Or Treat" - October 24, 2020 (audio)

FM #366 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 366 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with the organizers of the Reverse Trunk or Treat scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2020. The conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

In the conversation, I talked with Kristine Shanahan, President of the Franklin Lions, and Lions member Heather Sansoucy.

Links to the event page and contact info for businesses to sign up are in the show notes. The conversation runs about 7 minutes. 

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

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Event page  https://www.facebook.com/events/337652293995243 

Register as a business to provide a trunk -  Link to register: https://forms.gle/HZ9aAPsC1sLDXXM18

Email option for info and to register:  franklinmalions@gmail.com 

Facebook page for Franklin Lions  https://www.facebook.com/franklinmalions

Franklin Lions web page  https://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/franklinma/index.php

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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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Franklin Lions to hold "Trunk Or Treat" -  October 24, 2020

FHS golf, field hockey and both boys and girls cross country teams top Taunton

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the fall sports results for Franklin High School on Tuesday, Oct 20.

 

Field Hockey = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 

– Franklin celebrated Senior Night with a shutout win over visiting Taunton. Holding a 1-0 lead through two quarters of play, the Panthers scored twice in a one-minute span in the third quarter to pull away from the Tigers. Kaitlyn Carney scored an unassisted goal in the second quarter and then tacked on a big insurance goal in the third quarter. Stephanie Bell (from Sara Carney) scored just over eight minutes into the third to make it 2-0. Neilee Hess made eight saves in net for the shutout. 

 

Golf = Franklin, 161 @ Taunton, 198 – Final 

– Franklin went on the road and picked up a win over Taunton at Segregansett Country Club. Jack Paterson and Nolan Norton led the way for the Panthers, each carding a low-round of 39. Sean Connelly added a 41 and CJ Steel chipped in with a 42 for Franklin. Spencer Andrews had a team-low round of 44 for the Tigers.  

 

via Twitter to get correct top 2 scores: https://twitter.com/FHSGolfTeam/status/1318686659488133120

 

Boys Cross Country = Franklin, 27 @ Taunton, 28 – Final 

– Franklin had five of the top nine runners, edging out a one-point win over host Taunton. Nicholas Calitri was the race’s winner, clocking in with a first-place time of 16:55. Declan Walmsley secured key points for the Panthers with a fourth-place finish (17:29). Griffin Sieczkiewicz (6th – 17:37), Josh Anderson (7th – 17:38), and Clancy Golden (9th – 18:07) rounded out Franklin’s scoring.

Girls Cross Country = Franklin, 19 @ Taunton, 42 – Final 

– Franklin took the top three spots on its way to a win on the road at Taunton. Senior Angelina Perez crossed the finish line at 21:10 to win the race while freshman Angelina Batla was right behind (21:13) to take second overall. Senior Sydney Hawkins took third place for the Panthers (21:26). Taunton senior Lily Valcovic (21:45) was the top runner for the Tigers, taking fourth overall, while eighth grader Colby Dunham (22:04) was fifth overall. 

For other results around the Hockomock League 

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-20-20/

 

FHS golf, field hockey, and both boys and girls cross country teams top Taunton

 

FM #367 - EDC Listening Session 2 - 10/19/20 (audio)

FM #367 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 367 in the series.

This shares the Economic Development Committee Business Listening Session #2 that was held on Monday, October 19, 2020. 

The meeting started about 30 minutes late with no explanation as to why. There was an expression of ‘thanks for your patience.’ Two representatives of the Franklin legislative delegation (from the office of Senator Splika and Senator Rausch) were on and left before the meeting was opened.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants in the Council Chambers the remainder participated virtually via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda, future schedule for the listening sessions, and my notes are in the show notes. The recording runs just over an hour and fifty three minutes (~1:53)  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZrzckZK

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Meeting agenda  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/restaurants-hotels-hospitality-business.html

Future schedule of listening sessions
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/economic-developemnt-committee-quick.html

--------------
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 #367 - EDC Listening Session 2 - 10/19/20 (audio)

Town of Franklin, MA: status moves to Level 3- Critical Drought

Franklin is included in the updated Level 3- Critical Drought region of Massachusetts. 

"Due to five months of below normal rainfall, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides today declared a Level 3 – Critical Drought in the Southeast Region of the Commonwealth. The other six regions across the state — the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Cape Cod, and Islands regions— remain at a Level 2 – Significant Drought, unchanged from last month’s declaration. Responding to increasingly severe drought conditions in some of the Commonwealth’s river basins, Secretary Theoharides also declared a Level 3 – Critical Drought in the Charles River and Millers River watersheds."

 

Find the press release and additional information here https://t.co/ePS4ROsLcx  

 

Shared from Twitter:

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1318547305205800965

 

Available on Town of Franklin page: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-reaches-level-3-critical-drought-status

Town of Franklin, MA: status moves to Level 3- Critical Drought