Climate Change Bill Signing, Social Emotional Learning Forum, Vaccine Oversight + More

Plus News from the Senate + Around the District

Updates from Beacon Hill & MetroWest Spring is in the air! It goes without saying that this has been a difficult time for all of us, but hope is on the horizon. Your actions in social distancing and wearing a mask have made a positive difference. Until a majority of our residents are vaccinated, please continue to take these precautions. I also ask that you take special care of your mental health, and reach out to people who may be isolated during this time. Over the past year I have been overwhelmed at the kindness and support the people of the Commonwealth have shown each other. These moments have reminded why I am so grateful to call Massachusetts home. They have also reminded me why I am resolute in my commitment to public service. As I have become fond of saying, we are in this together, and we will get through this together. As we look to spring, there are so many reasons to be cautiously optimistic. But I know many are still struggling. Please don't hesitate to contact my office at (617) 722-1500 for help for you or a neighbor or loved one. Warm regards, Fighting Climate Change Nation-leading climate legislation, known as the Next Generation Climate Roadmap, was recently signed into law here in Massachusetts. The new law will put our Commonwealth on a path to lowering harmful carbon emissions while fueling a growing green economy and improving the lives of those in underserved communities. Now is the time to be proactive in our approach to the climate crisis, and I am proud of the Senate for getting this done! Included in this legislation are: statewide emissions limits and subsector limits every five years to reach 50% reduction of greenhouse gases by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050; criteria to define and strengthen protections for environmental justice populations; a specialized energy code that will allow for net-zero building construction for towns that want it; an increase in the requirements for the state to procure offshore wind energy; and low-income solar set-asides within the statewide solar incentive program.  Read more here. 4th Annual Social-Emotional Learning Forum I am incredibly proud to have partnered with the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy to present my fourth annual Social-Emotional Learning Forum, "Supporting Our Students Through COVID-19 & Beyond." Never before have our young people's needs for social-emotional learning been so great. For many of them, this has been the hardest year of their lives. Their success during and after this pandemic depends on their continued development of executive functions – skills like self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and healthy relationship-building. For information about social-emotional learning, including tools for parents and educators to reduce student stress and promote overall wellness, I've included a recording of the event, featuring education experts, above. More resources are available here. Women's History Month and the HERStory Project Every day I go to work in the State House, I am surrounded by paintings and photos of prominent men from Massachusetts' history. The stories of the many, many incredible women who have contributed to this great Commonwealth—and our great nation—have too often been lost to history. It is therefore my great honor and privilege to help to tell their stories, and to make the faces that we see in the State House more representative of the rich diversity that make our state great. For these reasons, I unveiled a photo exhibition in the Senate President's suite in the State House dedicated to celebrating the often unsung stories of women of color throughout Massachusetts' history. HERstory: Volume II is the second installment of photos in the President's suite to acknowledge the accomplishments of women with connections to Massachusetts. Read more about HERStory here. Since the State House is currently closed to the public, a website containing photos and short biographies of each of the honorees can be found here. Overseeing the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout The first priority of the Senate continues to be the immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our residents' physical safety. To that end, the Joint Committee on Covid-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management has held two oversight hearings on the Commonwealth's vaccine plan. You can read more about these hearings below: Lawmakers Confront Baker On Vaccine Rollout Charlie Baker, Massachusetts lawmakers clash on coronavirus vaccine rollout You can watch the full hearings here:  First Hearing Second Hearing Around the District I hosted U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Representative Katherine Clark, and State Representative Maria Robinson for a tour of the MetroWest YMCA. A non-profit dedicated to youth empowerment, MetroWest YMCA has done a superb job offering vital services to essential workers and their children during the pandemic, including early education and food security. We had a great discussion on these issues and the need for more accessible childcare and paid leave, as well as the implementation of the American Rescue Plan passed in the U.S. Congress. Read more about this story here, and more pictures here. Other District Updates: Transportation: MetroWest Regional Transit Authority received a grant for Sunday Services to Natick and Framingham from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. It's important that our public transportation systems are equipped to serve residents at a variety of times, not just during the standard workweek. Vaccines: A Mass Vaccine Site opened in Westborough as part of a regional collaborative including the towns of Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton. An additional vaccine site opened at the Natick Mall. This will make the distribution of vaccines more efficient and fair for residents in MetroWest. Unity: I spoke virtually to share recent and upcoming work done by the legislature to make the Commonwealth a more inclusive place at Jewish Family Service's Anti-Racism and Fighting Anti-Semitism Committee in Framingham. I also spoke at the Franklin Area Against Racism's inaugural meeting, hosted by students of Franklin High School. Emergency Paid Sick Leave Ten weeks after I promised swift action on COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave, the Senate passed a comprehensive bill that would guarantee five paid days off for every employee in the Commonwealth. The bill also seeks to stabilize the state's Unemployment Insurance (UI) trust fund, provides substantial tax relief to businesses and workers, and delays the state tax filing deadline. To help protect employees on the front lines, and prevent the further spread of COVID-19, this bill ensures that all workers in Massachusetts have access to paid leave if they are unable to work as a result of a COVID-19 infection or a quarantine order. Significantly, given the state's push to increase vaccination rates, employees will be able to use this paid leave time to take time off to receive the vaccine. In addition, the legislation provides for leave if the worker needs time to care for a family member unable to work because of COVID. Read more here. International Women's Day Message Press Genocide education urged after US high school's anti-Semitic football play calls Associated Press March 28, 2021 'Back to better'; Karen Spilka says COVID exposed longstanding inequities Mass Live March 26, 2021 'The hardest year of their lives.' Educators, experts tackle emotional learning MetroWest Daily News March 20, 2021 MWRTA Receives Grant For Sunday Service in Natick & Framingham Framingham Source March 23, 2021 State Senate passes COVID relief bill to help companies, workers  Boston Globe March 18, 2021 Mass Vaccine Site Coming To Westborough: Sen. Spilka  Patch.com March 18, 2021 Massachusetts should advance sports betting bill that will serve as 'national model,' Karen Spilka says State House News Service March 15, 2021

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)