Franklin Matters

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- Pastrami Sub and Chips

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

Ziggy helping with Christmas Decorating

CommonWealth Magazine: Baker signs FY 21 budget, refuses to sign abortion provision

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

Baker signs FY21 budget, vetoes $156m

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER signed the delayed fiscal 2021 budget on Friday, vetoing $156 million in spending.
Lawmakers had postponed passing a budget for the year that began July 1 to take time to monitor the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. That left state government operating on a series of temporary budgets for the first five months of the fiscal year.
The final budget that Baker signed is $45.9 billion, representing growth of 4.5 percent over fiscal 2020. Much of the additional spending is driven by rising MassHealth costs, with more people becoming eligible for MassHealth and a federal rule that prohibits the state from cutting anyone from MassHealth during the pandemic.
With tax collections coming in higher than expected so far this year, the administration revised upwards by $459 million the amount the state expects to collect in taxes, to $28.44 billion. That is still a $1.2 billion anticipated drop in taxes compared to fiscal 2020."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-signs-fy21-budget-vetoes-156m/

Baker refuses to sign abortion provision

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER rejected a provision in the Legislature’s budget bill lowering the age of parental consent for an abortion from 18 to 16 and tweaked other language narrowing when late-term abortions would be allowed.

Baker regards himself as a strong supporter of a woman’s access to reproductive health care, but the amendment he filed to the budget bill prompted a sharp retort from groups seeking to expand access to abortion at a time when the makeup of the US Supreme Court, which guaranteed access to abortion with its Roe v Wade decision in 1973, has changed substantially.

A coalition of abortion rights groups, which calls itself the ROE Act Coalition and includes NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts, said in a statement that they are “deeply disappointed by Governor Baker’s failure to recognize the urgent need to improve access to care.”

“His amendment pushes abortion care out of reach for many, especially for people with low-incomes and communities of color,” the coalition said, urging lawmakers to reject Baker’s amendment. “The governor cannot have it both ways: He cannot call himself pro-choice and keep anti-choice restrictions in place.”

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-refuses-to-sign-abortion-provision/

and the Boston Globe has an article on the same topics (the abortion provision was included in the budget legislation) https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/11/metro/baker-signs-budget-balks-provision-letting-16-17-year-olds-get-abortion-without-parental-consent/

Washington Post: "Congress bans anonymous shell companies"

From the Washington Post, an article of national interest to Franklin:

"A groundbreaking measure to ban anonymous shell companies in the United States cleared Congress on Friday as the Senate joined the House in passing a defense-spending bill with a veto-proof margin.

The Corporate Transparency Act, which was tacked onto the defense bill, would require corporations and limited liability companies established in the United States to disclose their real owners to the Treasury Department, making it harder for criminals to anonymously launder money or evade taxes. The rule applies to future and existing entities alike.

The measure passed the Senate with an 84-to-13 vote as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, which cleared the House earlier this week. Trump pledged to veto the defense bill — one of few laws that passes every year — because it doesn’t include his demand to repeal liability protections for social media companies. Trump also opposes a clause that orders military bases named for Confederate leaders to be renamed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2020/12/11/anonymous-shell-company-us-ban/

FTC Consumer Alerts: Avoid a season of mis-giving

Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

Avoid a season of mis-giving

by Jennifer Leach; Associate Director, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC

It's the 6th day of Consumer Protection, and maybe you're in a giving spirit. 'Tis the season, right? If you like to donate to charities at the end of the year, 'tis also time to make sure your donations get to the places you mean them to go. Because this year, lots of charities could really use the help.

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Supreme Court rejects suit to overturn election results

A round up of the articles on this decision to settle the election results

From the Boston Globe:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/11/nation/supreme-court-rejects-texas-lawsuit-overturn-bidens-election-victory/

The Washington Post:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/12/11/scorching-reply-awful-texas-lawsuit-frames-stakes-moment/

The NY Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/10/us/trump-election-lawsuit-states.html

and The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/11/supreme-court-rejects-trump-backed-texas-lawsuit-aiming-to-overturn-election-results

Friday, December 11, 2020

Franklin's Weekend Outlook - Dec 12-13

Appropriately, the performance by FPAC of The Nutcracker this year is both masked and live streamed in collaboration with Franklin TV. Talk about adjusting to these pandemic times! Tickets available for this event online or via phone.

There is hope with the vaccine on the way. In the meantime be safe; be masked, and be social (at a distance!).

Saturday, December 12
2:00pm - The Nutcracker- Masked
7:00pm - The Nutcracker- Masked

Sunday, December 13
1:00pm - Historical Museum (open and free admission)
1:00pm - The Nutcracker- Masked
6:00pm - The Nutcracker- Masked

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

"The Nutcracker ~ Masked" live streamed from THE BLACK BOX - Dec 12-13

The Franklin Performing Arts Company is excited to present The Nutcracker- Masked live streamed from THE BLACK BOX on December 12 and 13. The classic holiday ballet will be presented with a small cast of Ballet Conservatory dancers from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts all in masks and socially-distanced, with narration, live at THE BLACK BOX to a virtual audience at home.

Under the direction of Cheryl Madeux, former dancer with American Ballet Theatre, the Franklin Performing Arts Company has found a safe way to present this holiday tradition for the region. The masked production will feature Merrie Whitney’s stunning costume design accompanied by facial coverings. The production will continue FPAC’s collaboration with Franklin TV who will help bring the magic of the season to the audiences at home.

Cast A performs Saturday, 12/12 at 2:00 and 7:00 pm

Cast B performs Sunday, 12/13 at 1:00 and 6:00 pm

Tickets are available for each Livestream show and also an On-Demand option for the Saturday Show and the Sunday Show. https://www.showtix4u.com/events/17686

"The Nutcracker ~ Masked" live streamed from THE BLACK BOX - Dec 12-13

FM #409 School Committee Meeting - 12/08/20 - P1 of 3 (audio)

FM #409 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 409 in the series.

This session shares one of three segments for the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 8, 2020.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the two hour and forty minute meeting into three logical segments:

** First ** - covers the opening through the Discussion Action Items (approx. 53 minutes)
Second - picks up Discussion Only Items; the budget update, K-1 return alternatives, and re-opening through the School Committee members comments only (approx. 55 minutes)
Third - picks up the community comments on re-opening and run through the remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Dec 8, 2020

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/10195a5d-676f-42a4-a51a-0faafdb0fdf4

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

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-8-20.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-8-2020-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/school-committee-meeting-dec-8-2020.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"

Winter sports update summarized by Athletic Director Tom Angelo

FM #410 School Committee Meeting - 12/08/20 - P2 of 3 (audio)

FM #410 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 410 in the series.

This session shares one of three segments for the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 8, 2020.

I’ve split the two hour and forty minute meeting into three logical segments:

First - covers the opening through the Discussion Action Items (approx. 53 minutes)
** Second ** - picks up Discussion Only Items; the budget update, K-1 return alternatives, and re-opening through the School Committee members comments only (approx. 55 minutes)
Third - picks up the community comments on re-opening and run through the remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 minutes)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Dec 8, 2020

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0e55c70c-7136-48d3-8e81-7ec537e97c00

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

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-8-20.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-8-2020-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/school-committee-meeting-dec-8-2020.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

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"

Superintendent Sara Ahern provides an update at a recent SchComm meeting

FM #411 School Committee Meeting - 12/08/20 - P3 of 3 (audio)

FM #411 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 411 in the series.

This session shares one of three segments for the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 8, 2020.

I’ve split the two hour and forty minute meeting into three logical segments:

First - covers the opening through the Discussion Action Items (approx. 53 minutes)
Second - picks up Discussion Only Items; the budget update, K-1 return alternatives, and re-opening through the School Committee members comments only (approx. 55 minutes)
** Third ** - picks up the community comments on re-opening and run through the remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 minutes)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Dec 8, 2020

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/76542255-e134-4e92-9f2b-1377133c3736

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

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-8-20.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-8-2020-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/school-committee-meeting-dec-8-2020.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

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"

SchComm Chair Anne Bergen entering executive session

"MIAA High School winter season can officially begin on Monday"

Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612) tweeted at 6:29 PM on Thu, Dec 10, 2020:

"The MIAA High School winter season can officially begin on Monday for basketball, ice hockey, gymnastics, skiing and swimming. Here we go."

and

"The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has posted its updated guidelines for high school, youth, and adult amateur athletics. High-risk sports including basketball and ice hockey can play games. Total participants and spectators can't exceed 40% capacity"

https://twitter.com/mattyfeld612/status/1337177596044382208?s=03
and https://twitter.com/mattyfeld612/status/1337176173432987648

The document itself can be found on the MA.GOV re-opening page

https://www.mass.gov/doc/safety-standards-for-youth-and-adult-amateur-sports-activities-phase-iii-step-i-effective/download

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has posted its updated guidelines for high school, youth, and adult amateur athletics.

High-risk sports including basketball and ice hockey can play games. Total participants and spectators can't exceed 40% capacity pic.twitter.com/4nglPtj2If
— Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612) December 10, 2020

"Baker sends police bill back to Legislature, asking for changes"

The Boston Globe has the following:

"Governor Charlie Baker sent back a sweeping police accountability bill to lawmakers Thursday, threatening to not sign it if they don’t address a series of changes he’s seeking, including keeping oversight of how officers are trained within his administration.

Baker’s decision to neither sign nor veto the bill, but return it to the Legislature with a variety of proposed amendments, clouds its future. The specter of a gubernatorial veto should lawmakers not agree with his changes immediately put pressure on the Legislature, where the 129-page proposal had divided Democrats and, in a rarity, emerged from the House without a veto-proof majority.

“There’s a lot in here that I’m concerned about, OK? But I want to sign a bill,” Baker said in a Globe interview Thursday. “We desperately need an accountability system in Massachusetts. Too many times, especially in communities of color, people are treated badly by law enforcement and there is simply, too often, little or no consequences for any of the people who are involved.

“That said,” he added, “there are parts of this bill that were never around the conversation” of holding police accountable."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/10/metro/baker-sends-police-bill-back-legislature-asking-changes/

And CommonWealth Magazine reports on this with:

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER plans to return to the Legislature landmark legislation that would impose new accountability standards on police, proposing a handful of amendments Thursday that he hopes Democrats will compromise with him over, but making clear he’s not afraid to veto the legislation if lawmakers resist those changes.

Baker, a Republican, has faced mounting pressure from both sides of the policing debate since the Legislature finalized its oversight bill over a week ago. Criminal justice reform advocates have urged him to sign it, while police unions have called it an attack on the men and women who wear a badge.

In an interview with the News Service, the governor said he was willing to make concessions, including accepting a civilian-controlled licensing board and limits on qualified immunity for police officers, but drew a line on several key issues."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/criminal-justice/baker-amends-police-reform-bill

Some good news (finally): The water ban is now lifted

The Drought Task Force met on Monday and recommended that all regions be at a Level 1 - mild drought. Here is today's press release from EEA:

Drought Conditions Continue to Improve Across the Commonwealth
Level 1 – Mild Drought Declared in All Regions of Massachusetts

BOSTON — Following increased amounts of rainfall through the month of November, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides today declared that drought conditions continue to improve or hold steady across the Commonwealth, with all seven regions of the state currently in a Level 1-Mild Drought. In the Southeast and Cape Cod Regions, conditions moved to a Level 1-Mild Drought after experiencing Level 2-Significant Drought conditions last month. In the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeastern, and Islands regions, conditions remained at a Level 1-Mild Drought, unchanged from last month’s declaration. Additionally, conditions improved in the Nashua River basin, which is now experiencing Level 1-Mild Drought conditions in line with the Central Region. A Level 1-Mild Drought, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance for the affected municipalities.

“As drought conditions continue to improve or remain steady across the Commonwealth, it is important that residents continue to conserve water as state agencies and municipalities continue to respond to the impacts of this prolonged drought,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Limiting indoor water use is a great way for residents to help their communities minimize the strain on local water resources as we work our way back to normal conditions.”

The declaration was informed by recommendations and discussions from the December 7, 2020 meeting of the Drought Management Task Force (DMTF), composed of state and federal officials and other entities, and will remain in effect until water levels return to normal in the affected regions.

The month of November brought increased rain in most regions of the state, with exceptions in the Cape and parts of Western Massachusetts. Rainfall totals ranged from 2 to 5 inches across most of the Commonwealth, with lower totals on the Cape and the northern area of the Connecticut River Valley. Heavy downpours on the last day of November and into December are expected to trickle through the hydrological system and reflect on the other drought indices in the coming weeks.

The state continues to intensely monitor and assess the drought situation, and any associated environmental, municipal and agricultural impacts. Task Force officials also noted that streamflow improved across the state, with a normal range observed across all regions. Groundwater levels continued to be mixed across the state with improvement in the Western and Central regions. However, Eastern Massachusetts continues to experience below normal levels of groundwater. In the Cape Cod region, groundwater levels remain above normal, but continue to decline.

For Region in Level 1 - Mild Drought
Residents and Businesses:

Minimize overall water use;

Communities:
Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication;

Provide timely information to local residents and businesses;
Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
Develop a local drought management plan.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) continues to provide technical assistance to communities on managing systems, including assistance on use of emergency connections and water supplies, as well as assisting towns on how to request a declaration of drought emergency.

“With water demand down and conditions improving, now is the time when we should all plan to use water more efficiently moving forward,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “That includes the decisions that residents and businesses make as they plan their landscaping choices for next year, along with the considerations people make in purchasing water-using appliances. Efficient water use is appropriate all the time and not just during periods of drought.”

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not currently experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan.

The declaration of a Level 1 – Mild Drought requires the Drought Management Task Force to continue to meet on a regular basis to more closely assess conditions across the state, accelerate outreach efforts on water conservation, coordinate dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal and local agencies prepare any responses that may be needed in the future.

Last year, EEA completed a two-year process and updated the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan to better assess drought conditions across the state and maximize the state’s ability to prepare for and respond to a drought. The Plan also provides guidance to communities on drought preparedness and outlines response actions that can be taken at the local level.

For further information on water conservation and what residents and communities can do, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

Shared from the Franklin DPW page on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/3711009818983461/

Spring Pond along Washington St

Franklin Matters

Saturday, December 12, 2020

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - Dec 11, 2020

CommonWealth Magazine: Baker signs FY 21 budget, refuses to sign abortion provision

Washington Post: "Congress bans anonymous shell companies"

FTC Consumer Alerts: Avoid a season of mis-giving

Supreme Court rejects suit to overturn election results

Friday, December 11, 2020

Franklin's Weekend Outlook - Dec 12-13

"The Nutcracker ~ Masked" live streamed from THE BLACK BOX - Dec 12-13

FM #409 School Committee Meeting - 12/08/20 - P1 of 3 (audio)

FM #410 School Committee Meeting - 12/08/20 - P2 of 3 (audio)

FM #411 School Committee Meeting - 12/08/20 - P3 of 3 (audio)

"MIAA High School winter season can officially begin on Monday"

"Baker sends police bill back to Legislature, asking for changes"

Some good news (finally): The water ban is now lifted

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