FM #482 - Toward a More Perfect Union - 03/02/21 (audio)

FM #482 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 482 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, and Dr. Michael Walker-Jones. 

These three folks are joined by Frank Falvey (the host) and Pete Fasciano (Franklin TV/Radio Executive Director) for a weekly conversation on the broad topic of our democratic republic. This particular session gets into why have the new show “Towards A More Perfect Union”

Jeff opens the discussion on Why with a reading of the preamble:

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The  show is broadcast on Monday’s at 11 AM, 2 PM and 8 PM. A podcast version of this show is in development so if you miss the radio timeslot you will still be able to listen.

Links to the panel profiles are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Natalia, Jeff, and Michael.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/86c659d4-6cb3-4e3e-901b-8d6a7d39c6ce

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Natalia Linos  Executive Director of the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University. Natalia’s Harvard profile page = https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/profile/natalia-linos/ 

Natalia’s opinion piece as mentioned was published on March 2, 2020  https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/03/02/coronavirus-could-hit-us-harder-than-other-wealthy-countries/

State Representative Jeffrey Roy legislative profile page = https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1 

Dr. Michael Walker-Jones  LinkedIn profile = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-michael-walker-jones-9b326925/ 

Link to the Preamble of the US Constitution  https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/preamble/  

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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 #482 - Toward a More Perfect Union - 03/02/21 (audio)

Pantherbook: "The Inevitable Consequences of Remote Learning"

 

"As we near the one-year anniversary of when the world seemingly shut down, I want to take some time to reflect upon the toll that remote learning had on students. Although most of the effects of a virtual learning environment have been negative, it is important to not lose sight of the few positives. This school year has been like none other, and we look to share our experiences with future generations."

Continue reading the article online

https://franklinpanthers.us/news/school-news/2021/03/04/the-inevitable-consequences-of-remote-learning/

 

 

Graphic by Siddharth Chandra, Images from Vectr and Pinterest

FHS Track schedule for Fall II

Here's an updated track schedule with corrected dates #onetinymistake

PDF file = https://t.co/SVVx7IUIWR

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1367896189522354180

 

 

FHS Track schedule for Fall II

 

FPS - Message about in person learning

March 5, 2021

Revised

Dear Franklin Families,

We hope you are doing well this afternoon.

As you know, we have been exploring full and in-person learning at the various levels throughout the district and thank you for your contributions to our efforts in completing several surveys recently. There is much support among FPS families for in-person learning. Please be assured that we are always taking all health and safety aspects of COVID-19 mitigation into great consideration.

As mentioned in last Sunday's letter, I will be presenting a framework for full and in­ person learning to the School Committee at their March 9 Regular School Committee meeting. This will also be a meeting about the recommended budget for FY 22. We encourage you to attend the meeting (limit of 500 via Zoom) or watch it live on TV.

Working collaboratively with the FEA, we want to let you know that right now the plan would be to have K-5 return Monday, April 5, and Middle and High School return Monday, April 12. Details will be presented Tuesday at the School Committee meeting as a "Discussion Only" agenda item. Please note that remote learning will remain for the remainder of the school year.

We know there will be questions and concerns. The School Committee meeting is a regularly scheduled business meeting and will not be an open forum for families' Q and A. We will be sure to provide opportunities for families to learn more at a future date.

Have a nice weekend, 

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools

FPS - Message about in person learning

Franklin Senior Center: Meet the Sheriff - Mar 8

Hello, 

Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott, who was elected in 2020, will be available to meet with Franklin Seniors on Monday, March 8th at 1:00 PM via Zoom. Sheriff McDermott will introduce himself, discuss some of the services that the Sheriff's office provides for seniors, and engage in conversation. Please join us! 

To attend, register here: 

 https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0rdu2qrj8oGdVJ_ZyiF27wa8rI5o_9ar0Q

You will then automatically receive an email with the link to join. 

Erin Rogers 

Director, Franklin Senior Center

10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA 02038

508-520-4945 (phone)

508-520-4917 (fax)

Franklin Senior Center: Meet the Sheriff - Mar 8

Franklin TV: "More Meetings"

More Open, More Engagement.
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 03/07/2021

Per Massachusetts Open Meeting Laws, many communities have their government meetings televised on a dedicated cable channel. In Franklin, it’s Town Hall TV on Comcast 11 and Verizon 29.
 

Back in 2019 BP – (Before Pandemic) we covered the following meetings regularly: 

• M - Planning Board
• T -  School Committee
• W -  Town Council
• T - Conservation Commission – or – Zoning Board of Appeals Finance Committee

Recently, we’ve added:

• Economic Development Committee Town Administrator’s Review Budget Subcommittee
• Community Preservation Committee – Their inaugural meeting was last week.  
• Candidates’ Forum – Special meetings for Town Council Elections 
• Agriculture Commission – May begin soon with a limited series.
  

Check this week’s schedule of live and replay meetings on our last page.

Today we also stream the government channel meetings live on our website. Just click on the Town Hall TV logo. Past meetings are searchable on demand as well.

Adding our live Zoom connection has been a real game chan– um, a meeting changer. Our government meetings, whether originating in town Chambers or remotely, Zoom makes citizen participation possible and convenient. What you see over Zoom is very much like what you see at home on TV, but you can participate easily. Just remember your Zoom etiquette. Please keep your microphone muted until you are addressed by the meeting chairperson during the public portion of the meeting. Place your computer in a quiet location that is well lit. Note that because you can see everyone – everyone can also see you.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

or for archive purposes   https://drive.google.com/file/d/12XtEe_HZCYR-CVu4GYw6eqWIscn2jHu5/view?usp=sharing

 

 

Franklin TV: "More Meetings"

"businesses warn recovery ‘is not going to be flicking a switch’"

"CDC links restaurant dining to a rise in cases"

"Even as officials in Texas and Mississippi lifted statewide mask mandates, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday offered fresh evidence of the importance of face coverings, reporting that mask-wearing mandates were linked to fewer infections with the coronavirus and COVID-19 deaths in counties across the United States.

Federal researchers also found that counties opening restaurants for on-premises dining — indoors or outdoors — saw a rise in daily infections about six weeks later, and an increase in COVID-19 death rates about two months later.

The study does not prove cause and effect, but the findings square with other research showing that masks prevent infection and that indoor spaces foster the spread of the virus through aerosols, tiny respiratory particles that linger in the air.

“You have decreases in cases and deaths when you wear masks, and you have increases in cases and deaths when you have in-person restaurant dining,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, said Friday. “And so we would advocate for policies, certainly while we’re at this plateau of a high number of cases, that would listen to that public health science.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/06/nation/cdc-links-restaurant-dining-rise-cases/

 

Editor's Note: So just because you can doesn't mean you should.

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"As Massachusetts prepares for final phase of reopening, businesses warn recovery ‘is not going to be flicking a switch’"

"After a year of hunkering down, the country is about to bask in the biggest boom in nearly four decades. But the scars of the pandemic linger.

By summer, most American adults should be vaccinated, and life is expected to return to something approaching normal as people eat in restaurants, hop on a plane, or catch a game at Fenway Park. Getting out of the house for work and recreation will swell the economy, juiced by another big federal stimulus program and trillions of dollars in savings that consumers are eager to spend.

Yet that rosy outlook isn’t reflected in the sentiments of many local employers who would benefit greatly from a post-pandemic resurgence. Hammered by COVID-19 shutdowns, they remain wary after earlier forecasts about the trajectory of the disease proved too optimistic.

Instead of the rapid rebound projected by economists, these employers — from small business owners to big institutions such as hospitals and universities — expect a more gradual recovery marked by fits and starts. So they’re ramping up slowly and delaying hiring decisions until the picture is clearer."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/06/business/massachusetts-prepares-final-phase-reopening-businesses-warn-recovery-is-not-going-be-flicking-switch/

Memory Cafe: Monday March 8 at 2 PM - Not your typical cafe'!

Hi everyone,

We are trying something different for our next memory cafe - the Nick & Heather Show.

Here is the link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84796688114?pwd=NXBhS0NPTnp0MFp0VEwra2ZCelpBUT09

Meeting ID: 847 9668 8114
Passcode: 903006

 

Memory Cafe:  Monday March 8 at 2 PM - Not your typical cafe'!

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

 

FM #481 - Town Council "Quarterbacking" - 03/04/21 (audio)

FM #481 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 481 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting: ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/72e1df51-f768-44c7-8b98-b768880320ad

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Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-3-town-council-agenda  

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-of-town-council-meeting-mar-3.html 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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 #481 - Town Council "Quarterbacking" - 03/04/21 (audio)

"authority to force districts to reopen their schools full-time"

 

"BREAKING: Massachusetts education officials plan to postpone this spring's MCAS testing in an effort to ensure a smooth reopening of schools."

https://t.co/MrgYlWjeeI

"Massachusetts education officials announced on Friday they will postpone this spring’s MCAS testing in an effort to ensure a smooth reopening of schools, a move that was criticized by some teachers unions but lauded by other education advocates.

The decision came hours before the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted to give Commissioner Jeffrey Riley the authority to force districts to reopen their schools full-time.

The return of students to five days a week of in-person learning will begin with students in pre-kindergarten through grade 5 on April 5 — the same date that MCAS testing was previously scheduled to begin."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/05/metro/massachusetts-school-officials-postpone-spring-mcas-testing/

And CommonWealth Magazine coverage on this topic - Read the article online  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/ed-board-gives-riley-power-to-force-school-reopenings/

Pantherbook: Mock Trial Team advances to Sweet 16

"Congrats to the Mock Trial team for their victory over a brilliant Wayland team yesterday, 105-104. Both schools' coaches called it the most epic battle either had ever seen. With the win, Franklin advanced to the statewide Sweet 16 of the Mock Trial Tournament's "March Madness."

"The following Mock Trial students earned exemplary scores yesterday: Nipun Goel, Akash Shetty, Pratusha Nouduri, Erin McCaffrey, Nihara Lijan, Paris Arffa, Charlene Peng, and Matthew Parrella."

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1367891063533404165

and here => https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1367891124782850050

Pantherbook: Mock Trial Team advances to Sweet 16

5 FHS Music Students to perform with the MA All State Orchestra and Jazz Band

Massachusetts Music Educators Association is holding the 2021 All-State Music Festival virtually this year. Five students from the Franklin High School music program were selected for an ensemble and will participate in a virtual concert some time later this spring.

Students first attended a two hour master class on March 6th with the conductors of their ensembles.  Following this class, students will study their music and video record themselves performing their parts. These videos will be submitted by March 20th and will be professionally edited to create a virtual performance which will be presented to the public as a YouTube Premiere later this spring.

The Franklin High School students selected to the All-State Orchestra are: Christopher Broyles - Viola, Chai Harsha - Viola and Grace Newton - Violin.   Colin Manocchio - Trombone and Ian Richardson - Electric Bass were both selected to perform with the Jazz Band.

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In addition to performing with the Massachusetts All State Orchestra, Christopher Broyles and Chai Harsha were also selected to perform virtually with the All Eastern Honor Orchestra.  This festival will be presented in a similar format.  These are incredible accomplishments for our student musicians.  

Download a copy of this announcement
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GCqYwzPK_k5eHtURystnZfxP3MtzBtw3/view?usp=sharing

Left to Right: Ian Richardson - Bass, Colin Manocchio - Trombone, Chai Harsha - Viola, Christopher Broyles - Viola and Grace Newton - Violin

Pantherbook: "FHS Athletes' Perspectives on Fall II "

Take a look at FHS Athletes' Perspectives on Fall II 

@FranklinHS @FHSSports
https://t.co/crucFqJunJ

Direct link to Pantherbook

https://franklinpanthers.us/sports/2021/03/04/athletes-perspectives-on-fall-ii/#

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1367625056428437505

The football field is partially covered in a snowbank and the track is slightly wet from the weather.

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast March 5, 2021

Hello Everyone!

Thirty-one years ago, Bruce McCandless II became the first person to conduct an untethered spacewalk. This iconic image was captured during a subsequent untethered EVA on Feb. 11, by NASA astronaut Robert "Hoot" Gibson. Photo Credit: NASA

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/ and 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 

March 7, 2021, 3pm: Virtual Concert with percussionist Fabio Pirozzolo as part of the Friends of the Robbins Library Concert Series.  This will be a Facebook live event.  Go to:https://friendsofrobbinslibrary.org/harpbeat-celtic-harp-percussion-duo-sunday-march-7-300-pm/   or you can go directly to the Robbins Library facebook page. 

Tips

7 helpful hand exercises - For Parkinson's and to improve flexibility and dexterity 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ez2GeaMa4c8  

Morning Qi Gong - 10 minute morning exercise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac08kMK-dyI 

Beginners Ballet for Balance and flexibility for Seniors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn-L69Ho8m8 

Music

2Cellos - Thunderstruck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT3SBzmDxGk 

Automatica - robots vs. Music - Nigel Stanford

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

The very first woodwind instrument dates back to more than 43,000 years ago. The first woodwind instrument was a flute carved from the thigh bone of a bear. ... Bone was a natural choice for a flute because after the marrow is extracted, the length of the bone is hollow.

Just for Fun

The Evolution of Dance 1920-2000's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqHt2VeYJN4 

The Mars helicopter!!  Now on Mars!

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

Mind bending optical illusions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IWk5NkxQF8 

Humor

Inside the mind of a master procrastinator - Tim Urban

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arj7oStGLkU 

Carol Burnett Show Outtakes - Tim Conway's Elephant Story (one of my personal favorites)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qqE_WmagjY 

Kindness Matters

The speech that brought the entire student body to tears - Motivational

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u2qggffbYM 

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

*Monday at 1pm - Tele-bingo a call in bingo game.  Call the senior center for details

*Monday at 1pm - Meet the Sheriff - zoom

*Tuesday at 10am - Sen. Rausch - zoom

*Tuesday at 2pm - Palette Knife Class -you must be registered to attend

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

*Tuesday at 1pm - Audio Book Club- email mgunderson@franklinma.gov 

*Wed. At 10am - Writers Group -zoom

*Wed. At 4pm - Caregivers Support Group - email elaine.owens@verizon.net to attend

*Thursday at 6:30pm- NAME THAT TUNE! - email adoggett@franklinma.gov to play

*Thursday  at 1pm - Tele Bingo call the Senior Center to play 508-520-4945

*Thursday at 10am - Discussion Group - zoom

*Friday at 11am - Sunshine Zoom - for members with memory loss. 1 hour of socialization,

 Games, exercise and activities.

Attached you will find Donna's fun filled activity pages

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ezrKdX_pFa39nGKps9EJN36DXsgaVYy1/view?usp=sharing

Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  Please feel free to email me with questions, concerns or just to check in!

Ariel 

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

"Some have found ways to juggle work, child care and virtual schooling"

"Around 10 million U.S. mothers living with their own school-age children were not actively working in January — 1.4 million more than during the same month last year, according to new U.S. Census Bureau data.

The pandemic has had a devastating effect on employment overall but especially on mothers’ paid labor. The 10 million not working accounted for over one-third of all mothers living with school-age children in the United States, according to the Current Population Survey."

Continue reading from the Census Bureau:

https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/03/moms-work-and-the-pandemic.html

 

Some have found ways to juggle work, child care and virtual schooling

Toward a More Perfect Union: Suit filed on insurrection

In a recent episode of "Toward a More Perfect Union", it was asked who could file a law suit? At least one of the impeachment managers just did per this New York Times article:

"A House Democrat who unsuccessfully prosecuted Donald J. Trump at his impeachment trial last month sued him in federal court on Friday for acts of terrorism and incitement to riot, attempting to use the justice system to punish the former president for his role in the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol.

The suit brought by Representative Eric Swalwell, Democrat of California, accuses Mr. Trump and key allies of inciting the deadly attack and conspiring with rioters to try to prevent Congress from formalizing President Biden’s election victory. And like the case laid out in the Senate, which acquitted him, it meticulously traces a monthslong campaign by Mr. Trump to undermine confidence in the 2020 election and then overturn its results.

“The horrific events of January 6 were a direct and foreseeable consequence of the defendants’ unlawful actions,” asserts the civil suit, filed for Mr. Swalwell in Federal District Court in Washington. “As such, the defendants are responsible for the injury and destruction that followed.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/05/us/trump-sued-capitol-riot.html

 

Franklin's wfpr.fm has a series on Monday called "Towards A More Prefect Union" Frank Falvey converses with Rep. Jeff Roy, Dr. Michael Walker-Jones and Dr. Natalia Linos. The show airs on Monday's at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Work is also underway to make a podcast version of this show available.

 

Toward a More Perfect Union:  Suit filed on insurrection

Fraudulent fundraiser uses illegal robocalls to harass consumers

Fraudulent fundraiser uses illegal robocalls to harass consumers by Rosario Méndez, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC In 2015, the FTC and state partners sued and shut down four sham charities that harassed millions of people with more than 1.3 billion illegal robocalls about donating to charity. The FTC and 46 charity state regulators from 38 states and the District of Columbia are holding the fundraisers that made those illegal calls accountable in a lawsuit announced today.  The next time you get a call with a pre-recorded message from charity fundraisers, remember these tips: Read more > https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/03/fraudulent-fundraiser-uses-illegal-robocalls-harass-consumers?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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