Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - April 2, 2021

Hello Everyone!

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 

Paint-By-Number Kits are available.  Please call the Senior Center to arrange to pick one up to do at home or sign up to attend our in person Painting and Creative Space sessions Thursdays 12:30-2.

Tips

Throwback Thursday with Paul Eugene - Latin Dance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBbaiBKcM6M 

The importance of Friends - An interesting article about the health benefits of friendship

https://www.aetna.com/health-guide/importance-of-friends-as-you-age.html 

What makes a life good? Lessons from the longest study on happiness - Robert Waldinger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KkKuTCFvzI  

Music

30 of the most famous classical pieces on the piano

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0kVNMHo6fQ 

The Sound Of Silence - 12 string guitar cover

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zwSRKHrwgY

Just for Fun

Top 10 most beautiful churches - How many have you been to?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3dblyk7W5Y 

Anacapa Ocean - Live webcam Channel Islands National Park

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueik_Uu4xbo 

Humor

Jeannie Robertson - Remember the one who fed you the ball

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRZz09gZFOI 

Best TV news bloopers

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

Kindness Matters

Junkyard Cat decides to work at a car shop and greet people

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

Animals Saving Each Other

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af4CfwZCAwc 

Upcoming Events Week of April 5-11

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

*Monday at 1pm - Tele Bingo Call the senior center to play

*Tuesday at 5:30pm - Quarantini Time a virtual, social, cocktail hour.

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

*Wed. Wellness RN with Nurse Trish - call for an appointment

*Wed. At 10am Vets Coffee Hour - IN PERSON you must register to attend

*Wed at 1pm Writers Group - Call to register

*Wed at 1pm Fibromyalgia support group - Call to register

*Thursday at 10am Discussion Group -call to register

*Thursday at 12:30-2 Painting and Creative Space - IN PERSON at the senior Center - MUST 

register to attend.

*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 Activity Pages

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ig-PwCtIxt7pCqlmjERlKruu6bMyWv-j/view?usp=sharing

Things are starting to reopen!  We hope you enjoy the in person activities we are starting to have and are excited for more activities and options coming soon!

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

MBTA Commuter Rail: new spring schedules effective April 5, 2021

MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) tweeted at 2:29 PM on Thu, Apr 01, 2021:
⚠️ Service Reminder: NEW Spring Schedules will take effect on Monday, April 5, with more predictable & evenly spaced train times all day. Find your trip now at https://t.co/AW0Ike8PZD

Update: Worcester and Providence Line schedules have been adjusted. Details below ⬇️

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/1aoRNfo2Av

MBTA Commuter Rail: new spring schedules effective April 5, 2021

Social Security Admin: New Fact Sheets Added to Your Online Statement

New Fact Sheets Added to Your Online Statement 04/01/2021 03:00 PM EDT Your Social Security Statement, available on my Social Security, tells you how much you or your family can expect to receive in disability, survivor, and retirement benefits. We've added new fact sheets to accompany the online Statement. These new fact sheets provide clarity and useful information, based on your age group and earnings situation. They […]

Visit the SSA Blog https://blog.ssa.gov/new-fact-sheets-added-to-your-online-statement/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Franklin Residents: Hydrant flushing begins April 5, 2021

Hydrant flushing begins on Monday April 5, 2021!

This program is conducted annually to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows. Residents may experience temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being flushed in their area.

Please visit https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/hydrant-flushing to find out where we will be working each day.

We appreciate your patience during flushing!

Shared from the DPW Facebook post: 

https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/3998125543605219/

hydrant flushing in action on Cottage St

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Updated FPS Elementary bus routes

Effective April 5, 2021: Updated FPS Elementary bus routes https://t.co/q3GqCen6PO

@OakStElementary @JeffersonLabs @parmenterschool @jfkladybugs

@KellerSchool @DT_Bobcats

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1377655571894185986

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Updated FPS Elementary bus routes

Franklin's Event Outlook: Apr 2 - Apr 8, 2021

The Easter weekend is upon us and some in person events are slipping into the calendar among the virtual events. There is hope rising this spring. Please be good about the COVID-19 protocols, we're not done yet.

 

Friday, April 2
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
3:00pm -  Electric Youth 2021 (Video Stream on Demand)
3:00pm -  Interact Club to meet with Rep. Jeff Roy
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm -  HMEA: Smarty Pants Virtual Trivia
 

Saturday, April 3
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
3:00pm -  Electric Youth 2021 (Video Stream on Demand)
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 

Sunday, April 4
 Easter Sunday
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
3:00pm -  Electric Youth 2021 (Video Stream on Demand)
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 

Monday, April 5
 Easter Monday
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
3:00pm -  Electric Youth 2021 (Video Stream on Demand)
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:30pm -  MasterClass: Creativity Curator
 

Tuesday, April 6
9:00am -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
3:00pm -  Electric Youth 2021 (Video Stream on Demand)
6:00pm -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 

Wednesday, April 7
10:00am -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
1:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
3:00pm -  Electric Youth 2021 (Video Stream on Demand)
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm -  Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!
 

Thursday, April 8
10:00am -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
11:00am -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
1:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
3:00pm -  Electric Youth 2021 (Video Stream on Demand)
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
8:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd

 

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

 

Community Calendar

RMV announces no vehicle Inspections for Apr 2 - Apr 4, 2021

Due to a production issue with our vendor Applus Technologies, inspection stations will be unable to inspect vehicles Friday 4/2 through Sunday 4/4. Please visit http://mavehiclecheck.com for more information.

Shared from Twitter:https://twitter.com/MassRMV/status/1377768389171683337

RMV announces no vehicle Inspections for Apr 2 - Apr 4, 2021

Tri-County's Weidman awarded scholarship to Dean College

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School is proud to announce that Anna Weidman, a senior in the Engineering Career Program from Franklin, has been awarded a $36,000 tuition scholarship to Dean College for the 2021-2022 academic year. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years/eight semesters of attendance at Dean College, providing a GPA of at least 2.7 is maintained. This is the 23rd year that Dean College is awarding a Tri-County student with the scholarship.

Anna Weidman

Consideration for the scholarship is based on a completed admissions application, a Tri-County senior in good standing, superior academic record, teacher recommendations, interviews with a Dean College Admissions representative and Tri-County School Counselors, and extra-curricular activities, including employment. Anna was awarded the scholarship based on her professionalism, along with her many accolades. She works part-time at Daily Dog Sitting and delivering flowers for Luna Flowers. Weidman has maintained a 4.40 GPA and plans to pursue a Business Management degree from Dean College.

“Anna Weidman is an exceptional student who has excelled both inside the classroom and out. Anna represented Tri-County in SkillsUSA National Competitions in Engineering Technology and as a NASA Hunch Semi-Finalist,” says Kristian Johannesen, Guidance Counselor.

Dean College is a private, residential, not-for-profit institution that is fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
 
“The rewarding partnership we have with Dean College positively impacts our community. We are grateful for the generosity of Dean College,” said Stephen Dockray, Superintendent. “The scholarship program allows a Tri-County student the opportunity to pursue a college education. Congratulations to Anna from all of us at Tri-County.”

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities - Part-time Office Asst; DPW and Facilities summer positions; and others

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

• Part-Time Office Assistant and Passport Acceptance Agent - Department of Planning and Community Development  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/office-assistant-and-passport-agent-jobposting-april12021.docx.pdf
  
• Summer Jobs - Facilities and Department of Public Works - https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/summer-jobs-posting-draft-march2021.pdf
  
• Part-Time Administrative Assistant - Department of Public Works - https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/dpw-part-time-admin-job-posting-march242021_0.pdf
  
• Deputy Town Clerk    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/deputy-town-clerk-posting-march2021.pdf
  
• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works - updated February 2021  - https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-feb112021.docx.pdf 
• Substitute Custodian - still available as of March 2021 - https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/sub.custodian-posting-jan2021.pdf

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from:  https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

 

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities - Pert-time Office Asst; DPW and Facilities summer positions; and others

 

Spring Update From Franklin Food Pantry - Tina Powderly

Letter From Tina

As I wrap up my first month as the new Executive Director for The Pantry, I want to say hello and share some updates with you. First, I’m overwhelmed with the generosity and spirit of this community. As a Board member, I was of course aware of Franklin’s magnanimity but now having the opportunity to see it daily, I’m in awe by all you do for our neighbors. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

The Pantry is busier than ever as we enter our second year of the “new normal.” In 2020, we saw almost 20% more households than in 2019; 34% of those new faces were children.  We met this need in a variety of ways:  

Tina Powderly

• Twice weekly drive- up distribution, providing shelf stable foods, fresh produce and protein options.  
• Choice Tables, set up on nice weather days (yes they are coming!) where neighbors select additional hard to come by items.   
• Weekly Weekend Backpack Program for all Franklin elementary and middle schools, helping students who face food insecurity over the weekend.   
• New home delivery program for neighbors who weren’t able to visit us due to Covid-19.

We are hard at work planning our reimagined spring and summer events like the annual Empty Bowls and Party for the Pantry. Both events will happen – please see below for details!

As a largely volunteer-based organization, we continue to look for creative ways to engage our volunteers safely. We are grateful to our current bag assemblers, distributers, home delivery and mobile pantry drivers and truck unloaders. If you are a volunteer and haven’t been back yet, please know that we can’t wait to have you back and will be in touch as capacity restrictions loosen.  And to the many new folks who are interested in volunteering – we hope to open up new opportunities soon as well.  

Finally, we continue working on opening our new building at 138 East Central Street. Our architect and engineer are in the midst of designing a Pantry that will positively impact the Franklin community for many years.   New building updates are on our website.  

If you have any questions or just want to say hi, please do not hesitate to contact me (tpowderly@franklinfoodpantry.org). 

 
With so much thanks and appreciation,

Tina Powderly
Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry  

 

New building updates can be found https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building-updates/

 

 

FHS volleyball wins 3-1 to complete sweep vs. Mansfield

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:

Volleyball = Mansfield, 1 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 

– After splitting the first two sets, Franklin win two in a row to complete a 3-1 (25-18, 19-25, 25-18, 25-10) win over the visiting Hornets. Cailyn Mackintosh dished out 26 assists in the win while Ally Bonnet-Eymard (eight kills, 11 digs), Lindsey Tarantola (seven kills), and Emma Chase (six kills, two blocks, two aces) paced the attack for Franklin. Alina Nowakowski (nine kills, eight digs) led the charge offensively for Mansfield while Olivia McGrath (five kills, eight aces) and Julia Kelly each registered 18 digs apiece.  

 

For other results around the Hockomock League  

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-01-21/

 

 

FHS volleyball team tops Mansfield 3-0 in first of two matches this week (HockomockSports.com photo)

Panther TV: Panther News for Apr 1, 2021

Friday's Panther News...a day early! Check out all the latest news and announcements, plus an interview reflecting on our full in-person return coming in just a few weeks!  @FHSPantherbook @FranklinPSNews @FranklinHS

https://t.co/wLBaDBhhUM via @YouTube

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1377640378522865664

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Return to 'In Person' Update to Families - Apr 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

"Dear Franklin Families,    
 
We hope you are doing well. This letter contains important information about pool testing, attendance expectations, instruction during quarantine, and reminders about travel. First, however, I want to begin with some important acknowledgments.
 
I want to acknowledge our remote only students, families, and faculty/staff. Much of our recent efforts have been in eager anticipation of a return to full and in-person school. I want to take a moment to acknowledge and recognize the dedication and creativity of our remote only teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrator in our Virtual Learning Academy. I also want to acknowledge how much we are thinking of our K-12 remote only students and families and, through our re-entry planning, are striving to keep our connections to you in our minds. We know this year has not been easy! Going forward, instruction in the VLA will continue as it has been. As we move ahead, remote-only instruction at the middle and high schools will have a different rhythm and feel with more students in the building, but you will still be receiving instruction from your currently assigned classroom teachers.
 
I also want to acknowledge the students and staff who have been full-time and in-person since the beginning of the year. Many of our special education teachers, school nurses, secretaries, van drivers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers have been in school five days a week since September. In so many ways, the successes of our PreSchool and five-day specialized programs have paved the way for our in-person return K-12. Our nurses’ efforts in keeping everyone safe are most noteworthy!
 
I also want to give a big “shout out” to our custodians who have been working so diligently to keep our schools safe with their daily disinfecting and cleaning routines. Additionally, the Facilities Department has been working tremendously hard in these past several weeks to get our schools up and running with furniture and other materials for April 5 and 12. In addition, our cafeteria staff and our teachers are actively preparing for more in-person students.
 
Last but certainly not least, our administrative team deserves an enthusiastic round of applause. I feel so fortunate to be working with such a dedicated, student-centered, and wise group of school leaders. Their hearts are focused on the core of what we do -- teaching and learning -- and doing so in ways that keep everyone in their buildings safe. They are always thinking of others -- students, staff, and families alike. They are rolling up their sleeves and doing whatever needs to be done -- supporting teachers, delivering lunch, substitute teaching, delivering materials to homes, and tending to many, many conversations and e-mails -- to name just a few. Please join me in giving them all of the appreciation they deserve."
 
Continue reading the update from Superintendent Ahern at this link: https://t.co/5lA2cWZgsu  or with this PDF version  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MJ35s0lpSpX_XJWGC-xfu9-NDXtkCrxL/view?usp=sharing

 

 

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Return to 'In Person' Update to Families - Apr 1, 2021

Recap of Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting - Mar 31, 2021

Quick Recap:

• A question on a technology item requested could not be answered as the Technology Director was not present. It was put aside with all the other school items until it could be. Later in the meeting the other school items were approved holding off on the one item in question.
• Dean College will be asked for a "pilot" payment in lie of taxes to purchase a vehicle for the Fire Dept. 
• Some items previously approved for borrowing (municipal building windows for example) are now being proposed to pay from 'free cash' as a may to further save money on financing
• Neighborhood meeting set for the Machintosh Road section where water main work is underway. The contractor has caused two water main breaks so far as there are limited marking for where the line is, and the line in concrete and can't be located via technology
• Capital budget items approved (aside from the one Tech item). There will be a follow up meeting on the remaining available free cash for capital requests.The listing of items not funded from each department is long. Concern about how to address this "unless the money gods come in"

----

 

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/wbbHDDkEgRGhrskS9

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #cbsc0331

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cbsc0331&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting now starting #cbsc0331
• The agenda and docs released for the meeting can be found on the Town page https://franklinma.gov/capital-budget-subcommittee/agenda/capital-budget-subcommittee-agenda-2 #cbsc0331
• OPEB report in April at the Town Council meeting on Apr 14, what is the outstanding requirements will be answered at that time. #cbsc0331
• Town Administrator reviewing the memo outlining the current requests. An update that the school vans bid came in at $90K (vs $120k) in the doc #cbsc0331 Q on the technology items they are being held until Tech director can participate and explain
• Apparently the Tech director had missed the meeting last year hence the hold on the tech item. Q follow questions on the school vans and plans for overall replacement. #cbsc0331 M D'Angelo explaining the curtain for HMMS
• Moving to the facility dept section on the municipal bldg window replacements due to poor or non-existent flashing when building was installed. #cbsc0331
• The municipal bldg had been approved last year for financing and this year with costs lower determining to use capital and save additional $s. #cbsc0331 BTW, Chair Pellegri leads meeting, Dellorco, Chandler, and Kelly present in Chambers so no roll call votes needed
• Entire set of school items were put aside pending the Tech Director appearance. #cbsc0331 the building was approved by a 4-0 vote. Now to Fire Dept. Chandler asking if Dean would be willing to buy a vehicle as a 'pilot' payment in lieu of taxes.
• Motion on fire dept requests, second, passes 4-0. #cbsc0331 Moving to Police dept Top of page 6 in the doc shared earlier.
• #cbsc0331 surplus vehicles usually auctioned off with funds going to general fund. Vests are reimbursed after submitting purchase proof. State and Federal have grants for these, both haven't been available each year. Need to front the money first
• Police Station would be a timing issue as to when would we go to the community for a ballot question to replace it. Council would need to discuss further so everyone understands what the options are. A study would answer most questions or at least provide the #s for #cbsc0331
• Police replacement vehicles are all SUVs. Spare radios are reused when appropriate, i.e. within schools No body cameras in use, police reform commission will provide guidance. The storage for the cameras is really the cost, and then the system manager to view, etc. #cbsc0331
• Motion on the police dept capital request, second, passes 4-0 #cbsc0331 Going back to schools, TA realized they didn't vote, did vote to approve those School items except the tech items. Passes 4-0
• Moving to DPW section, beginning bottom of page 6 in doc shared earlier. #cbsc0331 T 5 truck just died and wont pass inspection, just happened last week. This had been prepared for FinComm meeting a couple of weeks ago. Could set up more stabilization accounts 4 a purpose
• Moving to water enterprise funds, from retained earnings within the fund all funded from the user based fees for water. #cbsc0331 Lincoln Street was done last year during the pandemic, early and under budget. To avoid using bonding to pay for some of these, using the cash
• Contractor hitting the water main as it is an old pipe, not well marked, can't be found with tech; neighborhood meeting scheduled for next week to help with Communications with the residents. #cbsc0331 did get all funds from Garelic due from the bankruptcy, except 4 penalties
• Motion on the water fund capital request, approved 4-0. Sewer line items up next, something of a catch up year. Includes a peer review of the Beaver St interceptor project. #cbsc0331 these funds do maintain the $1m balance within the funds
• Sewer fund request passes 4-0. Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0 That's all for tonight catch you next time!

 

Note: according to my notes the Capital Budget meeting held in June 2020 had no departmental representation for the discussion. The Budget SubCommittee meeting in Sep 2020 was likely the one referred to as lacking the Technology/Schools representation. Oddly this time (Mar 31, 2021 -School Dept personnel were present to answer question on the school vans purchase request. The item left as an unanswered question was a technology piece covering both School and Town side of the network.)  The meeting archive has all the links for the meeting notes and audio where available  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/meeting-notes.html

Chair Pellegri opens meeting