MIAA Statement on Winter Sports and Sport-Specific Modifications

November 20, 2020

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) COVID-19 Task Force representatives today presented winter sport modifications and recommendations for the 2020-2021 season to the MIAA Board of Directors.

This presentation culminated a two-week MIAA governance process which included sport-specific sub-committee meetings where updated Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and current Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary (DESE) guidelines were reviewed. These subcommittees created sport- specific modifications and presented them to the full committees for approval. The MIAA Sports Medicine Committee (SMC) and ultimately the MIAA Covid-19 Task force subsequently approved the modifications.

MIAA Executive Director Bill Gaine stated, “The MIAA’s mission can be defined by a dual prescription: promoting maximum participation opportunities for the maximum number of student-athletes so that life lessons can be learned. At the same time, promoting
the health and safety of all participants is the Association’s imperative.”

The MIAA Board of Directors voted to approve sport-specific modifications for the Winter Season. These modifications will continue to be reviewed as they relate to current regulations surrounding COVID-19 and may be modified if necessary.

Additional modifications or the decision to participate in MIAA-recognized winter sports will be determined by local school districts and/or their local Board of Health. You may view the Task Force presentation HERE.

Highlights include:

• The Winter Season will have a new start date of December 14, 2020.
• Modifications for the sports of Wrestling, Indoor Track, winter Cheerleading and Dance were not created or presented due to committee recommendation for those sports to be moved to a different sport season. Indoor Track is moved to the Fall II Season and Wresting, winter Cheerleading and Dance are moved to the Spring Season.

MIAA President and Marshfield Superintendent Jeff Granatino said, “It is great to see that so many of our student-athletes will be able to take part in the sports they love this winter. Many coaches, athletic directors, principals and superintendents worked hard
over the past few weeks to ensure that we would be able to offer interscholastic athletes for our students, and I want to thank them for their efforts.”
 
Granatino added, “The pandemic has reshaped the way education is delivered across the country and the same can be said about its impact on athletics. Nonetheless, I am confident our student-athletes and coaches will adjust to the new expectations this winter and have an experience as fulfilling and as exciting as what we saw during the fall season. Gaine reinforced, “Our membership should be proud that our Board’s actions today reflect allegiance to the MIAA mission.”

The approved Winter Season sport modifications are located on the MIAA COVID-19 Task Force Page. The Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) document located on the Task Force page is currently being updated to better reflect and provide clarity with recent decisions. This will be posted as soon as possible.

Respectfully, 

Jeffrey Granatino       Bill Gaine
MIAA President          Executive Director 

 

• Basketball  http://miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Basketball_Modifications_Winter_2020.pdf
• Gymnastics  http://miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Gymnastics_Modifications_Winter_2020.pdf
• Ice Hockey  http://miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Ice_Hockey_Modifications_Winter_2020.pdf
• Ski - Alpine  http://miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Alpine_Ski_Modifications_Winter_2020.pdf
• Ski - Nordic  http://miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Nordic_Ski_Modifications_Winter_2020.pdf
• Swimming & Diving  http://miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Swimming__Diving_Modifications_Winter_2020.pdf
  

 

Shared from the MIAA page  http://miaa.net/contentm/easy_pages/view.php?sid=38&page_id=317

 

MIAA Statement on Winter Sports

Candidates Night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM

The four candidates for the open Town Council seat will meet in a live broadcast for a candidates night moderated by former police chief Larry Benedetto.

 

The candidates (ballot order)

• Alan R. Earls
  
• Cobi Frongillo
  
• Gregory R. Chiklis 
• KP Sompally 

How to watch

• Three options for watching the candidates night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29  #SECN1123  1/3
• Three options for watching the candidates night  - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM  = use your web browser to watch the Live Stream https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream   #SECN1123 2/3 
• Three options for watching/participating in the candidates night  - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM  = Connect via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83643671854 )  #SECN1123   3/3 

Why a special election?

Franklin, MA voters should be aware that there will be a special election to fill the seat recently vacated by Eamon McCarthy Earls. He left at the beginning of September to enter law school in Virginia. The special election is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2020 to meet the 90 day requirement of the Charter. 

Audio interviews available

• Town Council candidate - Gregory R Chiklis (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-393-town-council-candidate-greg.html
• Town Council candidate - KP Sompally (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-382-town-council-candidate-kp.html
• Town Council candidate - Alan R Earls (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-369-town-council-candidate-alan.html
• Town Council candidate Cobi Frongillo (audio interview) =  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-359-town-council-candidate-cobi.html

 

Candidates Night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM

Still and Ever, Thankful Why? Because I Can Choose to Be So.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director  - 11/22/2020

An understatement: This year, 2020, has been a year like no other.

At some point right around last Thanksgiving is when it began: That first infection. We celebrated 2020’s sparkly arrival as a New Year in customarily festive fashion, gathering with family and friends. Gathering – one of our joyous pastimes, now gone.

We have lost much in this past year. Friends. Loved ones. Livelihoods. Businesses. Trust. There are over 250,000 empty seats at the family table this year. However, statistics ring hollow to those who must endure these devastating losses personally. How do they give thanks?

In such a year as this one where hardship surrounds us all, we have to look within. What lies within us that we can be thankful for? What shred of resilience can we muster in order to still be thankful? Hard times offer no easy answers.

First, it’s difficult to be thankful; to engage in thanks–giving without some practice. Rising with the first glimmer of each day I am thankful and grateful for its promise. I take in that early moment with gratitude. The day will bring forth other moments. My task? Convert those moments flowing from my future into memories – good ones. A day well spent.

This daily practice of thankfulness for time’s open-ended future, for opportunity, for that which is yet to be, gradually becomes a habit, then a mindset. Time is the greatest gift I could ever imagine. And so, apart from present circumstance, I remain thankful for the possible, for those future better days of my own making.
Admittedly, the gift of future time has been stolen from so many who have passed. 

May you find some time for thanks.
May you find some thanks for time.

I wish you health, wealth, wisdom and love. And time, precious time for all of the above.

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching. 

 

 

The Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio program guide can be found online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   For historical purposes, the program guide:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TDtgiPg68K53xC5OgAfKs1A_srsWJthn/view?usp=sharing

 

 

http://franklin.tv/  and   http://wfpr.fm/

In the News: "misdirected to a third party"

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

"More than a month after a “spear phishing” attack swiped $522,000 from a town account, questions about what happened and what was done about it will be examined at the next Town Council meeting, according to council Chairman Tom Mercer.

During Wednesday's meeting, town councilors discussed the cyber security problem, which was reported in early October by town officials during a closed-door executive session.

More details about what happened will be revealed during the council’s next meeting on Dec. 2, said Mercer. Due to the nature of the topic, he said it could only be discussed in executive session, and that just one more meeting was needed before completing that confidential discussion.

Franklin police spokesperson Sgt. Brian Johnson said police had no update on the case as of Thursday, other than that it remains under investigation. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/news/2020/11/20/franklin-spear-phishing-cyber-attack/3775889001/

 

As a retired professional with experience in information security with financial industry firms, I find it disturbing that some among the Council are first to assume individual corruption. The circumstances of a spear phishing attack could happen to almost anyone. Check out the FBI information to be aware of such attacks and how to protect yourself.  https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber

 

Other sources of information security on cyber attacks

• https://krebsonsecurity.com/2020/11/godaddy-employees-used-in-attacks-on-multiple-cryptocurrency-services/
• https://www.sailpoint.com/blog/why-working-from-home-opened-a-cybersecurity-pandoras-box/
• https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/consumer/consumer-threat-notices/cyber-monday-is-coming-10-tips-to-protect-you-from-online-shopping-scams/

 

 

https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber

Franklin Library - Thanksgiving Week Hours

Thanksgiving Week Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closing at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, November 25, and closed Thursday, November 26 for Thanksgiving. Curbside Pickup will be available Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

 

Shared from the Library page

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/thanksgiving-week-hours

 

 

Franklin Library - Thanksgiving Week Hours

FM #393 Town Council candidate - Greg Chiklis - 11/17/20 (audio)

FM #393 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 393 in the series.

 
This shares my interview and discussion with Town Council candidate Greg Chiklis. Our discussion was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Franklin, MA voters should be aware that there will be a special election (per Town Charter) to fill the seat recently vacated by Eamon McCarthy Earls. He left at the beginning of Sept to enter law school in Virginia. The special election is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2020 to meet the 90 day requirement of the Charter. 

Greg chose to tell his story in his way and along the course of the discussion we did touch on all the questions to provide a fair set of information for the Franklin voters.

• By way of introducing yourself to the Franklin voters, what is your Franklin story?
• The Community Preservation Act is on the November ballot, what do you think of it?
• What degree of development do you feel is appropriate for Franklin and how would you balance the need for affordable housing with the need to avoid congestion, some of which we already have?
• The Town Administrator suggested in 2019 that Franklin needed to consider an override measure.  The pandemic hit, that didn’t happen. The water rate and trash/recycling rate increased. Stormwater utility fee is up for consideration for implementation on/about July 2021. And yet, the operational budget both school and town side of the budget is challenged. How do you approach this financial situation?
• What do you say to the voter who asks: Why should I vote for you?
• Anything else to add that we did not cover?

The recording runs about 29 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Town Council candidate Greg Chiklis.  

Audio file =  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-393-town-council-candidate-greg-chiklis-11-17-20

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

Greg Chiklis’ Campaign link https://www.facebook.com/GRCFTC

 
And Contact info grchik0712@gmail.com , Phone =  774 291-9544 

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

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"

Town Council special election has 4 candidates for 1 open position

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - November 20, 2020

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Please Join us Wednesday Nov. 25th at 5pm for a virtual Friendsgiving! Email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend.  Raise a glass, eat a meal or just join in and share some friendship together.

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/

Tips

Paul Eugene - Power March - Burn off those COVID pounds with this 60 minute workout!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMrN3x7BvE4 

Tai Chi - 5 minutes a day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv7xwJuQuQc&feature=youtu.be 

Music

Britain's Got talent - WOW this young man has incredible talent!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iJJVDTL7VA 

7 interesting psychological facts about music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcFFwK4ot1k 

An interactive Jukebox with TONS of music and trivia!  Wow this could keep you entertained for weeks

https://www.1959bhsmustangs.com/VideoJukebox.htm 

Just for Fun

Nantucket Historical Association - The Whaleship Edward Cary

https://nha.org/whats-on/exhibition/digital-exhibitions/the-whaleship-edward-cary/ 

Tap Dancing Showdown between a toddler and a seasoned pro.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPV1g05NMfE 

Forget Stress and Laugh hard at these ridiculous pets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6tNn6hM5A0 

A Perfect Symphony with Ed Sheeran and Andre Bocelli

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiDiKwbGfIY&list=RDDUTLi5bs7mg&index=13 

Humor

Jeanne Robertson - Be careful where you sit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAc7fsEeQbQ 

Bing Crosby, Flip Wilson and Tim Conway - The Diner Sketch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYap5b4YmnY 

Guilty Doggos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQg2gnZkY4g 

Kindness Matters

Former Homeless student surprises Teacher

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEwANF8mr7o 

Attached you will find:

• Donna's fun filled activity pages - You don't want to miss this packed https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M8cVZPMiIO9aNtYRqQ-3BcxqNE0XK_UJ/view?usp=sharing

• Classic Toy Crossword https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qP_w7jklA-yQdM6TUpz9zw49jRS2-b33/view?usp=sharing

• Thanksgiving word search https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tpJ_w7fm_WG4KWt9HIFDBvYx72bM70vv/view?usp=sharing

• Fun with idioms https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i2Mawbn-6HaqGV5chUBPoSYn3JtPOuAg/view?usp=sharing

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. 

Upcoming Events email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend unless noted otherwise.

*Monday Nov. 23rd at 1pm Tele Bingo call the Senior Center to play 508-520-4945

*Monday Nov. 23rd at 2pm - Memory Cafe 

*Tuesday Nov. 24th at 5pm - Quarantini Time a virtual, social, cocktail hour.

*Tuesday Nov. 24th at 1pm - Audio book discussion - email mgunderson@franklinma.gov 

*Wednesday Nov. 25th at 5pm FRIENDSGIVING via zoom - email adoggett@franklinma.gov 

*Wednesday Nov. 25th Thanksgiving Dinner and Pie Raffle Pick Up.

*Thursday Nov. 26th HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

*Friday Nov. 27th - CLOSED 

Plus Exercise, Yoga, Discussion Groups and more.  Check out our newsletter or online calendar for a full list of all activities available https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter

*Curbside Cafe Special of the Week is Fishcakes and Beans

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 Residents: Beaver St Recycling Center - Open Hours Changed for Winter

This information is specific to the Beaver Street Recycling Center, located at 445 Beaver Street.

Hours of Operation:

• Tuesday 12-3 (April through November only)
• Friday & Saturday 8-3
• Sunday 9-1

 
Please remember that cash is not accepted at the recycling center; payments may be made by check, credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard and Discover). 

*Due to Covid restrictions, the Recycling Center is currently only accepting credit card payments.
 
For additional information, please visit our Additional Resources page (https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/pages/resources).
 
Bulk Items NOT accepted at the Recycling Center include: indoor furniture, tables, chairs, sofas, carpet, broken/soiled mattresses, and foam mattresses. These items can be picked up alongside your curbside service. Call Waste Management @ (800) 972 - 4545 to schedule.

 

Shared from Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/3653176918100085/

and the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/pages/recycling-center

Beaver St Recycling Center - Open Hours Changed for Winter

Franklin Police: "fill-a-cruiser" toy drive - Nov 27

Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) tweeted at 11:15 AM on Thu, Nov 19, 2020:

 Franklin Police: "fill a cruiser" toy drive 

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

@OakStElementary shares news on a $5K award from Staples for @mrs_perro

"Congratulations to Mrs. Perro! Thanks to our parent community she was a WINNER in the @StaplesStores #ThankATeacher campaign, and Oak Street was awarded $5,000 worth of Staples supplies.  

Thank Staples Thank you @AngelaKinsey and HUGE Thank you to @mrs_perro!" 

https://t.co/7kXSVUW8c6

@OakStElementary shares news on a $5K award from Staples for @mrs_perro

View this email in your browser  https://mailchi.mp/art/new_10m_covid_relief-546250?e=b386273bd4 New $10M Grant Program Provides State Cultural Organizations COVID Relief   Mass Cultural Council to Administer Cultural Organization Economic Recovery Program in Partnership with Baker-Polito Administration's Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development  BOSTON – The Mass Cultural Council, in partnership with the Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development, has launched the Cultural Organization Economic Recovery Grant Program, which offers grant assistance to Massachusetts nonprofit cultural organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This new $10 million initiative is part of the Baker-Polito Administration's Economic Recovery Plan. Of the $10 million, $2 million will be dedicated to supporting small cultural nonprofits, in alignment with the FY20 COVID supplemental budget.   "The Commonwealth's cultural institutions are a vital component of our identify and this grant program arrives at a crucial time for those organizations that have suffered significantly as a result of the pandemic," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I'm pleased we can target these resources toward these necessary institutions as we continue working to ensure they survive and thrive long into the future."    Cultural organizations have suffered staggering economic loss in recent months because of the COVID-19 public health crisis with a reported $484 million in lost revenue and more than 30,000 cultural jobs impacted. The Cultural Organization Economic Recovery Grant Program will efficiently distribute funds to organizations that urgently need them. The deadline to apply for funding is Friday, December 11, 2020; grant awards will be distributed early in calendar year 2021. "We are so pleased with this collaboration with the Baker-Polito Administration," said David T. Slatery, Acting Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. "Our cultural sector has been financially devastated by the pandemic. This vital new program will provide urgently needed relief to cultural organizations across the Commonwealth. We know that the cultural sector must be completely restored for the Commonwealth's economy to fully recovery."   "The cultural sector has a strong history of enriching the lives of Massachusetts residents through an approach that promotes education, inclusion, and diversity," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. "Recognizing the importance of this sector's mission, this grant program will allow us to focus our support for these organizations and institutions so they can continue to play a significant role in our daily lives." Since March, 898 cultural organizations have responded to Mass Cultural Council's four COVID economic impact surveys. These organizations collectively identify more than $116.8 million in COVID-related capital improvements and non-capital recovery strategies necessary to reopen and safely reengage with the public. Sixty-two percent of these organizations have made the difficult decision to layoff or furlough employees or reduce their wages and/or hours – choices that have impacted 30,616 cultural employees statewide.   "I'm grateful to the Mass Cultural Council for their collaborative efforts to support this vital sector," said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. "Not only are these institutions vital to our culture and history, they also generate commerce in key areas across the Commonwealth, they attract visitors from out of state, and the industry employs a large workforce with skillsets that are unique and specialized." The Cultural Organization Economic Recovery Grant Program will grant cultural organizations up to $100,000, or three months of supported operating expenses. On an extremely limited basis, Mass Cultural Council and EOHED reserve the right to award a small number grants worth up to $500,000 for organizations experiencing extraordinary losses. An organization must demonstrate extraordinary need and show that they face remarkable challenges that threaten its viability for this higher award amount to be considered. Program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and the grant application for the Cultural Organization Economic Recovery Grant Program are available online (https://massculturalcouncil.org/organizations/cultural-organization-economic-recovery-program/). out the Mass Cultural Council Mass Cultural Council is an independent state agency that promotes excellence, inclusion, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences, fosters a rich cultural life for all Massachusetts residents, and contributes to the vitality of our communities and economy. The Council pursues this mission through a wide range of grants, initiatives, and advocacy for artists, communities, organizations, and schools.