Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Monday, February 15, 2021
What's with Complete Streets?
FHS Gymnastics: Saturday meet results
Another great win for these girls!! 💙#undefeated @FHSSports @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters @MetroWestSports @HockomockSports @MyFM1013 @KatCornetta @FHSTrainingRoom
FHS Gymnastics: Saturday meet results 1 |
FHS Gymnastics: Saturday meet results 2 |
FHS Gymnastics: Saturday meet results 3 |
A Good Deed by the Dedham Fire Department
As past readers of these “Good Deeds” articles know sometimes the subject matter deals with real estate and home ownership issues. Other times a current event, a matter involving history or just something of interest is written about. With this article due I started looking at and writing about Groundhog Day which occurred on February 2, 2021. This is the day a groundhog, most notably Punxsutawney Phil, comes out of his home and predicts how much time is left of winter. There is even a movie film entitled “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray where everyday he wakes up reliving the same day over and over again. How many of us have felt that this is what has been taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic?
There is a saying “Life is what happens as you are making plans”. My plan and words for the “Good Deeds” article went right out the door when I received a call at 6:50 A.M. on Saturday morning February 6, 2021. I will get into what happened – but this “Good Deeds” message first and foremost is “Thank you to the Dedham Fire Department for responding to and knocking down a fire that took place at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Building.”
That early Saturday morning call I received was to get to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds building in Dedham. There was not only a fire alarm sounding but there was a fire in the building. The fast and timely response of the Dedham Fire Department was crucial in preventing what could have been a disastrous fire at the beautiful and historic Registry building in Dedham square. No one got hurt in the fire. No firefighter nor other first responders got hurt. Property can be replaced but individuals not getting hurt or worse is what is most important.
How many times do firefighters respond to fire alarms going off and it was nothing? Not in the case of this call to the Registry building during the early hours of a Saturday morning. Firefighters, police officers and all first responders have to be ever vigilant and on top of these calls because the situations they walk in to may not be “false” or “routine”. In this case what was later to be determined to be an electrical fire caused by a light fixture ballast was taking place in a first-floor basement area of the Registry building. The firefighters of the Dedham Fire Department were on top of things as they came into the Registry Building using their training and skills. The fire personnel did a wonderful job in containing the fire and putting the fire out. You also see the work the Fire department does after a fire is put out. The firefighters start sorting through debris, putting items on a separate tarp while other fire personnel as well as police personnel start reviewing evidence left behind by the fire. Thank you to Dedham Deputy Police Chief Mike Buckley and Massachusetts State Police Detective Sergeant Tom Berteletti of the Office of the State Fire Marshall for their admirable professionalism and thoroughness after the fire was put out.
The words I kept repeating when I was at the Registry the morning of the fire was “It could have been worse.” These are the words I continue to repeat when asked since about the fire. Some might say what is the big deal of putting out a fire at the Registry of Deeds Building. As Register of Deeds with a responsibility to make sure land records get recorded and preserved that deal with the biggest asset most of us have, our homes, my biggest concern and fear over the years has been the Registry of Deeds due to fire burning down. Many hours of staff time have been spent looking at disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
Dedham Fire Department |
This beautiful and historic edifice built in 1903 has received extensive repairs and renovations culminating with a building rededication in 2019. A fire that destroyed this building would be a loss from a historical and preservationist perspective. But what about the records, indexes and land information dating back to Norfolk County’s founding in 1793? What about the modernization initiatives that have brought computers, servers and other technological equipment into the Registry Building? Be assured the records have been backed up on off-site computers as well as put on microfilm that is also stored at off-site facilities. However, the business impact of not having a Registry of Deeds Building in a key component of our economy, the real estate sector, would be incalculable. Buyers of homes, sellers of homes, lenders and banks, carpenters, developers, house builders, real estate brokers, attorneys, title examiners, engineers, house appraisers, home inspectors, tradesman and so many others have livelihoods that depend on what takes place at the Registry of Deeds Building. So, to me putting out a fire at the Registry of Deeds Building is a real big deal as it saved the Registry of Deeds Building and all that takes place, as well as the ripple effects of what takes place, in that building.
My thanks to all first responders everywhere for what you do everyday especially with the difficulties the Coronavirus pandemic has brought on. I am so grateful to the Dedham Fire Department for their professionalism in putting out this fire. In thanking these first responders that morning I could tell that they felt they were “Just doing their job”. For the Dedham firefighters it may be just doing their jobs but the effect of what they prevented is so much more. The firefighters of Dedham did and do their jobs exceptionally well. THANK YOU DEDHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT.
50+ group events upcoming this week
1) Monday evening: Third presentation of Session #3.
2) Tuesday morning (10am - 11:30) G2G networking session. Use the same URL you use to join one of the session #3 presentations.
Interactive Workshop Series: Session #3
Using Your STARS
Offered: Mon Feb 15th 6:30-8:30pm
Virtual Doors open 15 minutes before session begins.
Workshop begins promptly at start time.
Facilitators: Melody Beach and Ed Lawrence
During the 3rd session in our 12-part Interactive Workshop Series, we shall review the STAR concept, and you will enjoy 4 opportunities to share your STAR stories.
STAR stories enable you to concisely convey who you are, state your strengths, and differentiate yourself from the crowd of jobseekers.
Join us--- try out your STAR stories and receive real-time feedback as you prepare for networking events or interviews.
50+ Interactive Event --- Using STARs |
The Hill: "Five things to know about new CDC coronavirus guidelines"
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put out a flurry of new guidance this week, with advice on topics such as mask wearing and quarantining after COVID-19 exposure.
The guidelines are in response to threats from new, more contagious virus strains, but they also indicate what life post-vaccine might look like in the U.S.
Here are five things to know about the agency's advice."
Direct link to the CDC COVID-19 page https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
No one day delay for trash/recycle on the calendar until May (Memorial Day)
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 17, 2021
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
Shopping? Think Long!
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director - 02/14/2021
In this ever-more complicated world I seek simplicity. I like simple. It’s my thing. When you discover a simpler way to do something or save some time or a few dollars, that’s a good day.
It seems there’s nothing simple about the C19 virus. Even in our push toward mass vaccination there is complexity. The virus threatens us with mutation, and the looming possibility that its eradication may be more complex than we thought. The end is less clear. The need to remain vigilant and distant goes on. Washing our hands, disinfecting surfaces, masking, now double-masking. The risk of contagion is rising. Yet somehow, we still need to go about the ordinary business of our daily lives.
There’s asimple shopping habit I learned many moons ago. If I need one, buy three or four. Is it small? Is it inexpensive? Will it keep? How long? Will I eventually use it all? If yes, buy more. Make a checklist of these common items. Is it on sale? Bonus! This is about simplicity and efficiency – and in these times, some added safety. The store is among the most public of places that we frequent regularly. Reduce the frequency, reduce your risk of infection. Not all of us can or want to shop online.
When you do go to the store, make that trip more productive. You will find that by working the long game with your shopping list, life becomes a bit simpler (and safer). Fewer trips to the store(s) saves money through sales and BOGO (Buy One – Get One) discounts. You also save money on gas.
Most kitchens have cabinets wrapping the walls. A century ago, the typical kitchen had a walk-in pantry. Do you have space that can become a longer-term pantry? That’s where you keep your checklist. That’s where you can plan what to stock as you head out to the store.
Yes, this all sounds stupidly simple. Duh! But, here’s a real statistic worth knowing. Trips to the store – down fifty percent.
That saves you more time, more money – and these days, a bit more safety.
And – as always –Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching.
Shopping? Think Long! |
FHS boys basketball top Stoughton 77-67
Strive Ninja Warriors now hiring - "Kids Fitness Coach"
"If you love fitness, coaching and you are great with kids... Strive Ninja Fitness is the place for you!We are currently looking for enthusiastic and driven individuals to join our fun and growing team!What do we do?We are a ninja warrior/obstacle fitness facility… we help kids and adults develop skills on obstacles that you might see on the TV show American Ninja Warrior or in Obstacle Course Races.But what if I'm not a ninja?Prior Ninja Warrior/Obstacle experience is not required, but it certainly helps to be excited about the idea of Ninja/Obstacle training (since that is what we do!). Being a fan of the TV show American Ninja Warrior is a plus! We will train you to help deliver outstanding gym experiences for our customers."
St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group - March Meeting announcement
St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group - March Meeting announcement |
Numerous Franklin Police Department officers sworn in as Deputy Sheriffs in Norfolk County
"Norfolk County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Patrick McDermott came to the Franklin Police Department to swear in numerous officers as Deputy Sheriffs in Norfolk County.
Officers from various units including administration, detectives, school resource and others were deputized.
The purpose for this is to help overcome jurisdictional boundaries when officers are working cases that cross town lines in Norfolk County.
Chief Lynch thanked Sheriff McDermott for his time and consideration in including Franklin officers in this program."
Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - Feb 12, 2021
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
Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/
Link to Mass.Gov COVID - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information
Some people are concerned about the side effects of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. This article explains why the side effects show the vaccine is doing what it is supposed to do.
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/02/second-vaccine-side-effects/617892/
Tips
7 Balance Exercises to help prevent falls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNC4bi3Ucac
Gentle stretching for Seniors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfjVFQWWiZw
Music
This is incredible. The link below will bring you to a map of the Earth filled with green dots. Each dot represents a radio station somewhere in the world. You can click and listen live to any station!!!
Absence - Alexandr Misko - Fingerstyle guitar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTxuNDYIkhU
The history of stringed instruments
https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-string-family-instruments-history-facts.html
The Lyre of Megiddo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27opcKxcg1c
Just for Fun
Kinetic sculptures
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDHDeoMM82g
Yardi Gras - Due to the pandemic Mardi Gras has changed. See how New Orleans residents are changing it up this year https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFUZ-p9lR74
8 cool vehicles you will see for the first time. Would you ride any of these?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prIElcJOrOM
Converting a concrete pipe into a cabin! I want to do this now!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX7sAzB0HEE
Amazingly creative water fountains. WOW!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PkM2GOOlFI
Humor
Understanding your love language - Jeff Allen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXpr7SCq4A4
The best of TV News bloopers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnEHMAhqUZM
Kindness Matters
Inspire Kindness a blog for practicing kindness during COVID-19.
https://inspirekindness.com/blog/practicing-kindness-during-the-coronavirus
Upcoming Events email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend unless noted otherwise.
*Monday - CLOSED
*Tuesday at 5pm - Quarantini Time a virtual, social, cocktail hour.
*Tuesday at 1pm - Low Vision Group- email mgunderson@franklinma.gov
*Tuesday at 2pm - Route 128 - Route 128, sometimes despised as 'the longest parking lot in New England' was also the symbol of the new high-tech industries that flocked to our region after World War II. Learn about the amazing story of how venture capital, modern computing and the internet all got their start here in Massachusetts from the 1940s to the 1990s . Alan Earls, author of Route 128 and the Birth of the Age of High Tech will present a slideshow and discussion
*Wed. At 4pm - Caregiver support group - email elaine.owens@verizon.net
*Thursday at 1pm - Tele Bingo call the Senior Center to play 508-520-4945
*Friday at 11am - Sunshine Zoom - for members with memory loss - 1 hour of socialization,
games and activities.
Attached you will find Donna's Fun Filled Valentine's Day themed fun pages.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JG5ZRfybN8ToZGPCrTx-nLMH_DOv8g-I/view?usp=sharingLove, 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.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/
Saturday, February 13, 2021
Valentine's Day Indian Cooking Class with Sandhya Jain
Recipe, Ingredient list and link will be sent with your free registration. Only one ticket is needed per computer!
This event organized by the Franklin Cultural Council https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil
Valentine's Day Indian Cooking Class with Sandhya Jain |
The Love Dogs: Live-Stream Event - Feb 13
THE BLACK BOX presents The Love Dogs this Valentine's Weekend for a special night "in"! Live-streamed from TBB!
Take one red-hot horn section - were talkin' alto, tenor, baritone saxes and trombone - down and dirty. Add liberal amounts of barrelhouse boogie-woogie piano and stinging Fender guitar. Pour over a funky and swinging rhythm section that Blues Review magazine called "the best in the business" and top it all off with a crazy and charismatic front man with one of the biggest blues voices around.
Season with a few years on the road tearing up juke joints, festivals and concert halls across the U.S. and Canada and on both sides of the Atlantic. Sound tasty? It's a recipe for music and mayhem, for intensity and irreverence; it's THE LOVE DOGS!
Tickets available https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1437
FHS gymnastics posts win vs. Canton - remains undefeated this season
Via Hockomock Sports and Twitter we can share the results of the FHS gymnastics meet on Friday