CommonWealth Magazine: "Massachusetts unveils vaccine preregistration system to ease appointment frenzy"

 

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER said on Wednesday that the state has the capacity to administer 2 million inoculations a month, but the federal government and  d vaccine manufacturers are providing only half that amount.

At a press conference at a West Bridgewater manufacturer of hospital-grade masks, Baker said the state could easily administer 1 million doses a month and could probably do 2 million. State officials say they only have 250,000 doses available to administer next week, and only 155,000 of those are first doses. That pace, which is not expected to change for the rest of March, would lead to 1 million total doses over a month.

The governor said the lack of vaccine supply and concerns about new variants of the coronavirus are the two key factors he would consider in deciding whether the state of emergency he declared exactly a year ago could be lifted."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-we-could-do-2m-doses-a-month-but-getting-only-half-that/

 

Boston Globe coverage  (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/10/metro/baker-fighting-tears-reflects-year-covid-19-pandemic/

 

New registration system for vaccines

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/10/metro/massachusetts-announces-vaccine-preregistration-system-ease-appointment-frenzy/

Gov Baker's press conf  https://youtu.be/brwtZLUWpW8

Power of Culture - March 2021

View this email in your browser Power of Culture One Year Later: Cultural Sector in Economic Crisis Due to Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic Cultural Organizations Report $588.3M in Lost Revenue; Artists Cite $30.4M in Lost Income; 30K Cultural Jobs Impacted Statewide One year after the coronavirus arrived in Massachusetts, disrupting every aspect of life for residents, communities, and businesses, Mass Cultural Council is releasing updated economic data measuring the COVID-19 pandemic's staggering impact on the Commonwealth's cultural sector for the fifth time. Read More https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/one-year-later-cultural-sector-in-economic-crisis-due-to-ongoing-covid-19-pandemic/ FY22 State Budget Request: $20M for Arts & Culture Mass Cultural Council seeks a state appropriation of $20 million for FY22, a $1.82 million increase from the current fiscal year. The Agency will invest these resources into a portfolio of programs and services that enhance, support, and promote the cultural sector in every corner of the Commonwealth and provide stability for artists and cultural organizations as they continue to rebuild and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. In support of this budget request, Executive Director Michael J. Bobbitt submitted testimony to the Joint Committee on Ways & Means yesterday. Read More:  https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/mass-cultural-council-seeks-20m-for-arts-culture-in-fy22-state-budget/. Nearly $1.2M Awarded through COVID-19 Relief Fund for Individuals Mass Cultural Council has awarded $1,171,500 through the COVID-19 Relief Fund for Individuals, making $1,500 grants to 781 individual artists and individual teaching artists, humanists, and scientists across Massachusetts whose creative practices and incomes have been impacted by COVID-19 related cancellations and closures. Read More. About the Mass Cultural Council The Mass Cultural Council is a state agency supporting the arts, sciences, and humanities, to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and its communities. It pursues its mission through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists.

CommonWealth Magazine: "Senate stands pat on climate change legislation"

 

"THE SENATE is preparing to pass new climate change legislation that accepts some minor technical changes proposed by Gov. Charlie Baker but rejects compromise language the governor proposed on several contentious issues.

The Senate bill stands firm in requiring a 50 percent reduction in emissions relative to 1990 levels by 2030, even though the governor had said the 50 percent target would end up costing Massachusetts residents an extra $6 billion. The governor had proposed a target range of 45 to 50 percent, with his administration having the flexibility to choose the end point.

The Senate bill also doesn’t budge on the need for legally binding emission goals for six industry subsectors, although officials said the bill will grant some limited leeway to the administration in a case where the state meets its overall emission target but misses the goal in one industry subsector."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/environment/senate-stands-pat-on-climate-change-legislation/

"Riley’s directive on middle schools drew sharp criticism"

 

"In another sign of a return to normalcy in Massachusetts public schools, thousands of middle school students will be back in class for full-time learning at the end of next month, the state’s top education official announced Tuesday.

Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley’s decision to return students in grades 6 to 8 on April 28 comes just days after the state Board of Education empowered him to determine when remote or hybrid-learning will no longer count toward student learning hours in public school districts.

Elementary school students are due to return to school on April 5. A date for high schools to offer in-person learning will be determined soon, the state said Tuesday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/09/metro/mass-middle-schools-will-be-required-reopen-full-time-april-28-state-school-officials-announce/

 

 

The memo from DESE's Riley via MASC

https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1369364525447847939

 

My 'local' copy can be found here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1reULlZxPdjfe36XV-VPYdaKdvCRNriKi/view?usp=sharing

 

 

FHS volleyball tops Milford 3-0

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:

Volleyball = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 

 – Franklin opened its season with a sweep over visiting Milford (25-16, 25-20, 25-15). The Panthers jumped out to a big lead in the first set and never looked back, battled back and forth for a win in the second set, and then overcame an early deficit in the third to complete the sweep. Senior Ally Bonnet-Eymard led the charge offensively with 11 kills and four aces, freshman Taylor Lacerda added six kills, and senior Emma Chase chipped in with five kills. Junior Cailyn Mackintosh dished out 25 assists and junior Maia Pilof had five aces.

 

Shared from HockomockSports.com

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-03-09-21/

 

– For a photo gallery of this game

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2020-2021/Fall-II-2021/Franklin-Milford-Volleyball-03-09-21/ 

 

Franklin-MIlford volleyball action (HockomockSports.com photo)

 

FHS Bonnet-Eymard and Mackintosh - named as volleyball "players to watch"

Hockomock Sports has published the "Players to Watch" for the Hockomock League volleyball teams. The Franklin representatives are shared here. Follow the link at the bottom of each summary to find out about the other players to watch around the Hockomock League. 
 

Allyson Bonnet-Eymard, Senior – Franklin

Bonnet-Eymard emerged as one of the top all-around performers in the league last season, becoming Franklin’s leading hitter but also chipping in with solid play at the service line and on the defensive side of the game. Bonnet-Eymard recorded a team-high 205 kills and was a dynamic hitter in Franklin’s balanced offense. She also had 36 aces and 117 digs, making her someone that could be counted on regardless of the rotation. Quick and athletic, Bonnet-Eymard has a powerful and accurate swing and forces the opposition to keep an eye out for her on every attack. Franklin is looking to win a third straight Kelley-Rex title this season and Bonnet-Eymard’s versatility will be critical to a title run.  

Cailyn Mackintosh, Junior – Franklin

Not many teams could have graduated a player of the year setter (Lauren McGrath) and not really missed a beat, but Mackintosh stepped right in and became one of the top passers in the league. In her first varsity season, she recorded 487 assists, second-best in the Hock, had 44 aces, and had 94 digs, as the Panthers won a share of a second straight league title. Mackintosh is an accurate passer but also does a great job spreading the ball around to Franklin’s assortment of hitters, keeping the opposition on its toes not knowing who might get the pass. The reigning Underclassman of the Year looked like a seasoned veteran last season and with a year of experience under her belt, the expectations are sky-high that she can pass the Panthers to a three-peat in the league.

for other volleyball players to watch around the League
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-volleyball-players-to-watch-in-2020/

 

Franklin’s Allyson Bonnet-Eymard will be one of the players to watch in what promises to be another competitive Hockomock League volleyball season. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

CommonWealth Magazine: "how the pandemic will shape the future"

 

"IT WAS A YEAR AGO this week that it became clear how completely our world would be turned upside down. After mounting global concern about a deadly new respiratory illness originating in China, the novel coronavirus, as we initially referred to it, established a firm foothold in the US and the country was soon in a nearly complete lockdown. On March 10, Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts. A year later, more than 500,000 lives have been lost in the US, more than 2.5 million people have died worldwide.

With an all-out vaccination effort now underway, we are hoping the worst is behind us. As much as we long for a return to life as we knew it, the pandemic seems destined to have a lasting effect on many aspects of our daily world, changes that will endure long after we have corralled the virus itself.

CommonWealth asked a range of leading thinkers and doers in various fields to offer their best take, one year after the pandemic outbreak, on how the experience will reshape our world going forward."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/arts-and-culture/12-views-on-how-the-pandemic-will-shape-the-future/

Strive Ninja Warriors now hiring - "Kids Fitness Coach"

"Do you love fitness? 

Enjoy rock climbing? 

Are you a former gymnast or kids coach? Perhaps you love obstacle course racing? 

 

If you said YES to any of these questions, you would be a perfect candidate for a part-time coaching opportunity right here in Franklin, at Strive Ninja Fitness! Please find job listing below for more information. 

 

Feel free to reach out to Jenna Gedman with any questions: Jenna@StriveNinja.com. Thanks, Franklin!"

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=c8b0d50a2fe42f3c&from=mobhp_jobfeed&from=mobRdr&tk=1eu90sekgn55b800&utm_source=%2Fm%2F&utm_medium=redir&utm_campaign=dt

Strive Ninja Warriors hiring - "Kids Fitness Coach"

FM #484 - Dan Feerick for Project Envoy - 03/02/21 (audio)

FM #484 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 484 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Dan Feerick. Dan is part of the Franklin Interfaith Council - Food Security Team. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about:   Project Envoy

• February was good, more restaurants added
• Calendar set for March
• Eat in, take out at the restaurant of the day (per calendar)
• This helps out the restaurants during the pandemic
• The restaurant in turn will contribute a portion of the sales to help out the Franklin Food Pantry
• A win, win, win for Franklin

The link to the Project Envoy page is included in the show notes. Our conversation runs about 16 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Dan Feerick.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/092329d4-2258-4922-b2d3-39aecb79a991

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

Link to Project Envoy page = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/project-envoy/

Link to March calendar = https://149356006.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/0001-1-300x232.jpg 

Hashtag your social post with  #ProjectEnvoy  #noonegoeshungryFranklin   

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

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"

Project Envoy March calendar

SAFE Coalition: COVID-19 Tele Town Hall - March 10

"On Wednesday March 10 at 7 PM the SAFE Coalition in Franklin is providing an opportunity for citizens to speak directly with Secretary Sudders and Dr. Paul Biddinger, Chair, COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Board about the vaccines and the rollout. 

It will be a tele-Town Hall meeting and a session to ask questions and hear from the experts about the COVID-19 Vaccine. 

You can watch the event by clicking on the link above on Wednesday, March 10 at 7 PM. To phone in and ask questions, dial 877-229-8493 and enter PIN # 120397"

Follow the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/930404551097062 

View on the SAFE Newsletter page  https://mailchi.mp/safecoalitionma/2-days-covid-19-tele-town-hall?e=5c4eabc7bc

SAFE Coalition: COVID-19 Tele Town Hall - March 10

Angelina Perez, co-emcee for International Women's Day event (video)

Angelina Perez, FHS Senior, and Teen Advisor for “Girl Up” a International program sponsored by the United Nations Foundation, was a Co-Emcee and a Panelist for #EqualEverywhere: Champions for Change - International Women’s day event.

Video link to #EqualEverywhere =  https://youtu.be/fGbrq5PHAmU 

School Committee meeting viewing options

As previously announced by Superintendent Ahern: 

"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.

... Details will be presented Tuesday at the School Committee meeting as a "Discussion Only" agenda item. ... 

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."

As this meeting is intended for School Committee discussion, you can avoid potential technical difficulties connecting to Zoom view the meeting

• via Comcast (Channel 11) or Verizon (Channel 29)
• or via the live stream from the Town of Franklin page  (https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream)

The Superintendent's message was previously shared here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/fps-message-about-in-person-learning.html   and also on the Schools page  https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/communication?authuser=0

The School Committee agenda and docs released for this meeting (no not the plan for return to in person schooling) can be found online https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

School Committee meeting viewing options

HockomockSports.com's FHS volleyball preview for the Fall II season

The high school sports Fall II season is underway and HockomockSports.com has published their preview for the volleyball teams for the Hockomock League. We share the spotlight on the FHS team and provide the link to the full listing.

 

FRANKLIN
2019 Record: 15-4 (Kelley-Rex Division Champions)
2019 Finish: Reached D1 Central/West Quarterfinals
Coach: Sam Elliott

Franklin is coming off back-to-back Kelley-Rex division titles and is in search of their third straight this season, but will be doing so under new guidance. Sam Elliott takes over as head coach of the Panthers after Kelsey Weymouth moved on to the collegiate level after two successful years at the helm.

Elliott is familiar with the program after serving as an assistant last season and she knows she has the pieces to make a push to hang another division title banner in this abbreviated season. Senior captain Ally Bonnet-Eymard enters her fourth year with the team and is among the most dangerous hitters in the league (205 kills) from the left side. She’ll be flanked by senior Emma Chase, who is back for her second straight year starting at middle and gives Franklin a weapon both offensively and defensively. Junior Cailyn Mackintosh really impressed in her first season last year and will be the starting setter while Jill Benoit returns as the starting libero. Elliott is also looking for some younger faces to push for time including sophomore Meghan Linkkila and freshmen Taylor Lacerda and Grace Lacerda.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to play this year, with six seniors it is important that they were able to have their final season,” Elliott said. “As a program we are excited to compete and improve, our group is a mix of returners and new players so it will be fun watching them all come together.”

For the preview of the rest of the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/volleyball-fall-2-hockomock-league-preview/

HockomockSports.com's FHS volleyball preview for the Fall II season

FHS' Yihan Pu selected for National Art Honor Society exhibit

Massachusetts Art Education Association (@MassArtEd) tweeted on Sun, Mar 07, 2021:

Congratulations to Yihan Pu from Franklin High School. Their work was selected to be exhibited in the 2021 @NAEA National Art Honor Society exhibit. Shout out to NAHS Chapter Sponsor Amy Edson! #wickedsmART @FranklinHS https://t.co/nOMN5XSnQw

Shared from Tiwtter: https://twitter.com/MassArtEd/status/1368652790386618379

FHS' Yihan Pu selected for National Art Honor Society exhibit

Franklin Public Schools, MA: 3 FHS students' work selected for MAEA exhibit

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) tweeted on Mon, Mar 08, 2021:

So proud of the @FranklinHS students whose artwork was selected for the Massachusetts Amazing Emerging Artists HS Recognitions Exhibit! 

View the gallery of the exhibit: https://t.co/bgBUP9P6t1   or https://maearecognitions2021.artcall.org/pages/web-gallery?fbclid=IwAR3eTizfo8PNwrPitzBFsGCnEs8B2j5UU8q1Prpt0NMh5DDVlWmIw7Bhqcw

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/0ygUcPE23L  or https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1369016339965349899

3 FHS students' work selected for MAEA exhibit