MA State News: vehicle inspection outage continues; vaccine certificates; school funding by Legislature

"After a more than weeklong outage in the state’s vehicle inspection system, service stations on Wednesday finally started receiving a software fix that is expected to solve the malware attack that hamstrung the testing program in Massachusetts and seven other states.

The contractor targeted by the attack, Applus Technologies, sent the software updates on flash drives to more than 1,700 shops in Massachusetts and walked operators through a reboot intended to protect the machines.

The inspection system has been offline since the attack on Applus on March 30, and is unlikely to be back online this week, according to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/07/metro/contractor-dispatches-potential-software-fix-vehicle-inspection-stations-mass-7-other-states-system-still-out/

"Baker unwilling to talk vaccine passports"

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER is uninterested in talking about vaccination passports.

Asked whether Massachusetts might consider creating vaccine passports – which would impose restrictions on unvaccinated individuals – Baker did not explicitly say no, but said his focus is on getting people vaccinated. “Having a conversation about creating a barrier before people had an opportunity to be eligible to be vaccinated, let’s focus on getting people vaccinated,” Baker said, speaking after visiting a vaccination site in Revere."

Continue reading the article online  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-unwilling-to-talk-vaccine-passports/ 

"Legislature will increase school funding next year"

THE LEGISLATURE HAS agreed to take a more generous approach to funding public schools next year than Gov. Charlie Baker did, responding to concerns from education advocates that Baker’s proposal was inadequate.  

The legislative approach reflects a different time frame for phasing in an updated school funding formula, and the creation of a new fund to help districts that saw pandemic-related enrollment drops. But some advocates are still unhappy with lawmakers’ compromise approach, saying it does not fully address districts’ needs.

The chairs of the House and Senate ways and means committees announced in a joint statement Tuesday that they plan to put $5.503 billion into Chapter 70, the K-12 school funding formula, in their fiscal 2022 budget, which represents an increase of $219.6 million over the current year. That is $21.9 million more than what Baker had proposed. 

 Continue reading the article online https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/legislature-will-increase-school-funding-next-year/

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - April 7, 2021 - 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee 

Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet 

April 7, 2021 = 5:45 PM

 

Agenda:

 

1.Lady Bugs

 

2.Franklin Branding & Business Guide

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_business_guide_4.pdf

 

3.Community Planning Grant Program Discussion

https://www.mass.gov/doc/planning-fy-22-guidelines/download

 

 

Agenda doc and connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-4-7_edc_agenda_.pdf

 

 

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - April 7, 2021 - 5:45 PM

Recap: Community Preservation Committee meeting Apr 6, 2021

Quick Recap:

• Schedule of meetings for the remainder of this calendar year set and approved
• Discussed and approved first budget for FY 2022, funds start accruing in July and won't be available until 4Q 2022 along with the State match
• Video issue with Zoom in the Chambers paused meeting briefly as that system was needed to present/share the open space document
  
• Presentation and discussion on open space, screen grabs in photo gallery, presentation doc to be posted to Town web page Wednesday and added here when available
• Discussion on Chapter 61 and the nuances issues around contact and notifications. Conservation Commission did previously participate in a State workshop and has the documents from that. The Agriculture Commission also did a reach out to land owners of more than 7 acres to create awareness of the Chap 61 option.
  

 

----

 

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/RFv5cvfsxB27nUCq6

 

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #cpc0406

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cpc0406&src=typed_query

Open Space presentation  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/open_space_presentation_update_4-6-2021.pdf

• Community Preservation Committee meeting coming up at 7 PM. https://franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee The agenda doc https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_4-6-2021_final.pdf #cpc0406
• Meeting opens, one member remote. #cpc0406 minutes approved via roll call unanimous. 9-0 Meeting schedule discussion to cancel Jul and Aug meeting, moving the housing discussion to the Sep meeting. Motion to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call
• Problem with Zoom video only on zoom tonight, the live stream is showing good video. #cpc0406
• Motion on budget, seconded, passes via roll call #cpc0406 Quick break in meeting to address laptop issue, as mentioned not showing the room on Zoom (live stream fine) which also affects their presentation of the next item
• Back in meeting, video fixed, so the presentation can be shown #cpc0406
• Presentation copy to be posted to town web on Weds #cpc0406
• More pages #cpc0406
• Carly Fisher, Ag comm, provides update on what they did for Chap 61 notifications to lands of over 7 acres on what could be done to bring it to chapter. #cpc0406 Q on Davis Thayer and status? School Committee controls still, until they move, nothing for town to do
• Discussion on use as possible police station, wherever it could be $20-30m and hence a building debt exclusion for that amount. #cpc0406 the civic center has eroded due to the growth of Dean (mostly true) interesting perspective shared
• #cpc0406 entertain motion to adjourn, via roll call passes 9-0 That's all for tonight catch you next time! 

 

Recap: Community Preservation Committee meeting Apr 6, 2021

Free! Monday Night Masterclass with Jacqueline Volpe - Apr 12

Join us for our Monday Night Masterclass Series with Jacqueline Volpe throughout April

View this email in your browser https://mailchi.mp/6b77e7b45204/free-monday-night-masterclass-withjacqueline-volpe?e=58f391b158  Join Us! Free Monday Night Masterclass with local artist, Jacqueline Volpe The Franklin Cultural Council is getting ready for next week's "Monday Night Masterclass" on ELIZABETH MURRAY. Don't know who she is yet? Learn all about her on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/) this week! Jacqueline Volpe, noted local artist and founder of "The Creativity Curator" will be giving a hands-on, one hour masterclass of Elizabeth's works. Registration is required and, as always, free to our community. Monday, April 12th, 7:30-8:30pm. Register on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/) or through our email address: franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com. A Zoom link is sent to participants via private email before the event. Elizabeth Murray (September 6, 1940 – August 12, 2007) was an American painter, printmaker, and draughtsman. Her works are in many major public collections, including those of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Wadsworth Atheneum. Murray was known for her use of shaped canvases.

Board of Health - Agenda - Apr 7, 2021 - 5 PM

1) Reading and Acceptance of March 3, 2021 meeting minutes

 

2) OLD BUSINESS

 

3) NEW BUSINESS

• COVID-19 2nddose vaccine clinic update
• Discuss Mass Homebound Vaccination Program 
• Discuss Metacomet Public Health Alliance 

 

Chairman opens the floor for any other new business

 

4) CITIZENS COMMENTARY

 

5) ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc and connection info = https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-4-7-21.pdf

 

Board of Health - Agenda - Apr 7, 2021 - 5 PM

 

Town of Franklin receives two MA grants

One

"We are excited to announce that the ToF has been awarded $201,000 to begin work on the required sewer pump station for the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project! It's the 1st step & grant award in a multi-year effort to construct 60 units of senior affordable housing in Franklin!"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1379095460477075460

Press release on Housing Choice awards:  https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-awards-5-million-in-capital-grants-to-communities-committed-to-housing-production

Two

"The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce the grant award of $19,975 through the Department of Fire Services.  These funds will be used for protective equipment."

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1379101926546112515

Press release on Fire Services grant awards:  https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-4-million-in-grant-awards-for-fire-departments

Department of Fire Services.  These funds will be used for protective equipment

Senator Rausch State House Briefing: Part 2, Chapter 5 (April 5, 2021)

Dear friends,  
 

Some good news - as of today, people age 55+ and people with one or more higher risk medical conditions are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in Massachusetts. In just two weeks, beginning on April 19, everyone age 16+ who lives, works, or goes to school in the Commonwealth will be eligible for a vaccine. 
 

Late last week, the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) expanded the list of medical conditions that pose a higher risk of severe illness from COVID. If you are at least 16 years old and you have any one of these conditions, you’re now eligible for the vaccine: 

• Cancer 
• Chronic kidney disease 
• Chronic lung diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension 
• Dementia or other neurological conditions 
• Diabetes (type 1 or type 2) 
• Down syndrome 
• Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension) 
• HIV infection 
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) 
• Liver disease 
• Overweight and obesity 
• Pregnancy 
• Sickle cell disease or thalassemia 
• Smoking, current or former 
• Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant 
• Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain 
• Substance use disorders 

Remember, you can now pre-register for your COVID vaccine appointment at a mass vaccination site (Gillette Stadium and Natick Mall are the closest for our district). Go to mass.gov/COVIDvaccine to secure your spot in line. For all other vaccination locations, go to vaxfinder.mass.gov or mass.gov/CovidVaccineMap and search for open appointments using your zip code or click through the various vaccination sites closest to you. Individuals who are unable to schedule an appointment online or are having difficulty with the online sign-up process can call 2-1-1 or (877) 211-6277 for assistance. Please note, appointments are limited due to limited vaccine supply. If you have no luck in getting an appointment, check back periodically to see if appointments have opened up. More information about COVID-19 vaccinations is available on my website at  www.beccarauschma.com/covidvaccine.
 

While I am glad that we are moving to the next group and more people will be eligible to get the vaccine, I also remain very concerned about decisions to relax COVID mitigation efforts too soon and the overall COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Massachusetts, particularly the lack of detail in implementation and the serious inequities in access and outreach. I continue to push our COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Act and urge the Governor to course-correct this rollout. Questions and comments about the COVID vaccine distribution plan and implementation can be emailed directly to the Baker administration at COVID-19-Vaccine-Plan-MA@mass.gov. I welcome constituents to copy me on those emails as well.
  

As always, if you or any of your loved ones in my district have fallen on hard times during this pandemic, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office via phone (617-722-1555) or email (becca.rausch@masenate.gov). We are here to help. You can also find robust resources to help you navigate through COVID-19 on my website.    

Yours in service,  

 
Senator Becca Rausch   

Find the full contents for Senator Rausch's newsletter online: https://mailchi.mp/089d048f6017/maearlyvoting2020-13394020?e=0c2c9810fe

Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here.  

FM #504 -Town Council - Capital Budget SubComm - 03/31/21 (audio)

FM #504 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 504 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the Subcommittee members, Town Administrator and key personnel, were in the Council Chambers; the public was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 78 minutes, so let’s listen to the Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting.   Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4bfe56e1-5469-43da-a665-d573497a9237

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

Capital Budget agenda  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/capital-budget-subcommittee-meeting-mar.html 

Town of Franklin budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 
Franklin Schools budget page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

My FinComm capital budget meeting 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/finance-committee-meeting-recap-topics.html 

Audio recording of FinComm mtg (capital budget segment)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/fm-488-finance-committee-meeting-031021.html 

My notes captured during the meeting 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/recap-of-capital-budget-subcommittee.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 #504 -Town Council - Capital Budget SubComm - 03/31/21 (audio)

 

Now On View: The Norfolk Annual Juried Art Show!

Check out the online Norfolk Cultural Council 2021 Juried Art Show!!!   Several FAA members have works in this show!!

Our first ever virtual art show is open!

View this email in your browser The 2021 Norfolk Annual Art Show is now on view! Click here to view the show! Thanks again to all of our amazing contributors! We were blown away by this year's submissions and we're so proud to share this exhibition with our community! Link to show =  https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1GV5VEVbj7XWADGgfjEZsnGMADD49_qx_E-IO7Zm7Ce0/edit#slide=id.gc7df0fa463_0_0 View on web page = https://mailchi.mp/59741930a1a9/now-on-view-the-norfolk-annual-juried-art-show?e=760a96ab86

MA State News: vehicle inspections next week; Gov Bakers gets first vaccine shot

 

"Vehicle inspections will not be performed until at least next week because of an ongoing problem with Applus Technologies, a vendor with the Registry of Motor Vehicles, officials said Tuesday.

The RMV is granting a grace period for some motor vehicle inspections, the RMV said. Vehicles with expired inspection stickers from March and vehicles bought or registered after March 23 should be given until April 30 to get an inspection, the RMV said.

Customers who recently had an inspection and are in the 60-day free retest window will be afforded an extra day for each day Applus’s system remains unavailable, but should plan to get an inspection as soon as possible once the system is restored."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/07/metro/vehicle-inspections-will-not-be-performed-until-least-next-week/

 

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER appeared to have no problem on Tuesday with Northeastern University requiring students to be vaccinated by the first day of the fall semester, even though he has balked at mandating vaccinations for other populations.

The governor said many colleges and universities are considering vaccine requirements for students similar to what Northeastern announced. “It’s going to be an issue they’re all going to talk about,” he said, adding that students should get vaccinated."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-notes-governor-ok-with-northeastern-vaccine-requirement/

 

Gov Baker's press conference after he got his first vaccine shot =>  https://youtu.be/fauTJj4XCvE

 

New IRS imposter scam targets college students and staff

New IRS imposter scam targets college students and staff by Ari Lazarus, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC If you're a college student, faculty, or staff member, you're going to want to pay attention to this one. IRS imposters are sending phishing emails to people with ".edu" email addresses, saying they have information about your "tax refund payment." What do they really want? Your personal information. Shared from  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/04/new-irs-imposter-scam-targets-college-students-and-staff?utm_source=govdelivery

New IRS imposter scam targets college students and staff

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) - May 4 - Day of Giving

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) invites the community to join in a day of giving on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, as Franklin celebrates the birthday of public-school advocate, Horace Mann, and the amazing work of our local educators. 

Since 1997, FEF has funded hundreds of educational grants totaling well over $300,000, to inspire innovative and sustainable programs, and to further support excellence in education within Franklin Public Schools. The educational grants support engaging, diverse and sustainable preK-12 learning opportunities and resources including a Franklin Family Resource Guide, Box City, Family Astronomy Night, Franklin High School Empty Bowls Project which are just a few of the many amazing projects that have benefitted students, families, educators and the community-at-large over the decades.

 However, none of these innovative programs and resources would be possible without the financial support of area businesses, organizations, families and individuals. The Franklin Education Foundation is entirely dependent on the generosity of sponsorships, financial donations, and in-kind donations. We welcome contributions all year long and hope you will consider participation in our day of giving to the Franklin Education Foundation to support innovative programs that truly enhance student learning in Franklin Public Schools. 

Contributions can be made directly to the Franklin Education Foundation website under the donate tab https://www.franklined.org/get-involved/donate, or by mailing a check to Franklin Education Foundation at P.O. Box 531, Franklin, MA 02038. 

You can learn more about the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) on their website at https://www.franklined.org/. For more information about FEF please contact FEF co-chair, Pandora Carlucci at pandora.carlucci@gmail.com. 

The Franklin Education Foundation thanks you for your continued support.

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) - May 4 - Day of Giving

 

Hey Franklin, you can help with this request

"Hi there. I'm wondering if you can help me. 

My father in law just passed away and one of his last requests was for us to be sure to tell a man named Ed Beksha from Franklin, used to own the Uptowne Pub. I found a land line for him, but it was disconnected. 

I don't see anyone by his name on Facebook. I'm hoping since you're from Franklin, hopefully you're a "townie" and may either know this man or know how I can get in touch with him? 

Apparently he and my father in law were army buddies, and very good friends. my father in law said Ed Beksha would want to know when he passed. thank you in advance. By the way, my father in law is Karl Backlund Sr.   

In kindness,  

Wendy Backlund"

If anyone does have information for Wendy, let me know. I have contact information for her

Hey Franklin, you can help with this request

A Spring Arts Awakening for THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX, Franklin’s very own concert, theater, and event venue, will host nine weeks of entertainment, outdoors under a tent in the venue’s parking lot. The Spring Arts Awakening celebrates a comeback for arts and entertainment and offers an opportunity to support THE BLACK BOX in its recovery from the pandemic.

Spring Arts Awakening at THE BLACK BOX kicks off on April 16 with a concert by three Disney Stars of Broadway: Broadway’s original “Mary Poppins” Ashley Brown, current “Genie” Michael James Scott, and original “Tarzan” Josh Strickland. The trio will perform an evening of Disney favorites. There will be limited seating for this special evening out in Franklin.

The Spring Arts Awakening lineup will also include local band The Peacheaters, Blues legend James Montgomery, viral a cappella sensation T.3, international touring ensemble Electric Youth, cabaret performances featuring Broadway stars, a June Pride Month concert benefiting The Trevor Project, FPAC’s annual Culinary Cabaret, and more. 

“The Spring Arts Awakening provides an opportunity to welcome our audiences back to THE BLACK BOX,” notes TBB and Franklin Performing Arts Company Director Raye Lynn Mercer. “The safety of an outdoor venue provides patrons a comfortable transition to performances and event gatherings.” Mercer adds, “Reopening guidelines will be followed and all safety protocols will be in place.” 

Patrons are encouraged to visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com and follow THE BLACK BOX on social media to stay updated on the venue’s offerings. 
 

Disney Stars of Broadway

FHS volleyball team tops Attleboro; both track teams top King Philip

From HockomockSports.com and Twitter we share the FHS sports results: 

 

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final

Boys Winter Track = King Philip @ Franklin,  Win (score not yet available)
Girls Winter Track = King Philip @ Franklin,  Win (score not yet available)

 

 

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-04-05-21/

 

Happy Senior Night!! Congrats to both the girls and boys teams for their wins over talented KP teams!! And a big congrats to our seniors!!

Updated 4/6/21 PM
[Girls Winter Varsity Indoor Track] Franklin HS defeats King Philip Rgnl HS, 61 to 30.

 https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1379501134524653572

[Boys Winter Varsity Indoor Track] Franklin HS defeats King Philip Rgnl HS, 52 to 39.

https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1379499464285638665

Hockomock League: Away Spectators Expanded for all Fall II Competitions

"Effective immediately, the Hockomock League will admit 2 family members of all AWAY student-athletes competing in games, matches, or meets. Home-team spectator restrictions continue to be limited to 2 adult family members and siblings per HOME participant.

This policy will include all league sports offered during the Fall II season: Cheerleading, Football, Volleyball, Track and Field, and Unified Basketball. 

The Athletic Directors will continue to monitor information as it is made available from the EEA, DESE, and our local Boards of Health. Each district has the ability to modify this policy based on its own facility limitations and/or local Board of Health restrictions. It is our goal to focus on the health and safety of our communities while safely permitting family members of our athletes the opportunity to watch high school sports in person. "

Shared from the Hockomock League page

https://hockomockleague.blogspot.com/2021/04/hockomock-league-expands-away.html

 

Hockomock League:  Away Spectators Expanded for all Fall II Competitions