Saturday, May 1, 2021

Representative Jeffrey N. Roy: FY 22 House Budget update

Jeffrey N. Roy (@jeffroy) tweeted on Fri, Apr 30, 2021:

"Happy to report that the FY22 House budget passed this week including some great pieces of local aid for Medway and Franklin. 

The budget provides local resources for education, food security, substance use disorder, the commuter rail, and economic development. https://t.co/m4an9fNBNF"

For more info about Rep Roy visit his page ->  https://jeffreyroy.com/

Representative Jeffrey N. Roy: FY 22 House Budget update
Representative Jeffrey N. Roy: FY 22 House Budget update


Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - April 30, 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 

Link to the Franklin Events Calendar - https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar 


Save the date!  Alzheimer's Association Family Conference: A free Virtual Conference for People Living with Alzheimer's and Their Family Members will be held on Friday, May 14th and Saturday, May 15th.  We have Tom Keane from the Boston Globe as our Keynote speaker, Pam Atwood doing a special program on meaningful engagement, a panel of individuals with Early Stage Alzheimer's, and a musical performance by the South Shore Conservatory in Massachusetts on both days of the conference. Registration will open in April. Alzheimer's Association Family Conference 


Tips

How to feel great in 10 minutes - Beginner Qigong routine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAHh8uPjlHU 


Seated stretches for Seniors.  8 stretches to cover your whole body.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldUCy5KofZQ 


Paul Eugene 65th Birthday Disco Party Dance - Celebrate with Paul as he gets his  disco on in a cardigan. I love this guy's energy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOILWf4R_J0 


Music

Endless Love on the Tank Drum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqU5z1ZkN90 


Relaxing and upbeat hang drum mix 1.5 hours https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9hpS3HbpDc 


Just for Fun

How to make and fly a world record paper airplanes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BNg4fDJC8A 


Turning used chopsticks into tables, tiles and more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLL4PW4LZT8 


10 Great Mysteries Hidden in Famous Paintings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-5ZPqUMgfM 


Furniture Optical Illusions - WOW!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHJ3CMWnVxY 


Humor

People Vs. Nature - Epic fails I have to admit I laughed out loud at more than a few of these.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSgYQl6GZbU 


Funny animals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUdXYhdf5zQ 


Kindness Matters

Abandoned puppy follows us home

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk8e3Lg5GFU 


Empathy - Best speech of all time by Simon Sinek

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


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

*Tuesday at 11am  - Cardio Strength & Balance IN PERSON (must register to attend)

*Tuesday  Tailgate Tuesday! Order your lunch through curbside cafe and then stay for a

 tailgate picnic with your friends in our parking lot. There might even be some music!

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

*Tuesday at 1pm - Low Vision Group- email mgunderson@franklinma.gov 

*Wed. At 11am - Zumba IN PERSON (must register to attend)

*Wed. Nurse Trish call to schedule your appointment for Blood pressure, sugar and more.

*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.


Upon entering the Franklin Senior Center you will be required to scan or sign in, fill out a COVID questionnaire, have your temperature taken, wear a properly fitting mask over your mouth and nose at ALL times and remain socially distanced.  We greatly appreciate your assistance in following these rules so we can continue to move forward with our scaled and mindful opening based on the rules we MUST follow!  Please do NOT move chairs or remove signs marking appropriate social distancing.   


The rules are in place for legal and safety reasons.  Breaking them just makes you a fun ruiner for everyone! 


Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast


Attached you will find: Donna's Fun Filled Activity Pages.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rwjGNER7zLJ7rm5o7KkhsYDSPRC4bD29/view?usp=sharing


Things are starting to open!  These are exciting times but please remember to be mindful of the CDC guidelines and rules in private establishments.  We have made it this far lets keep the trend moving forward with kindness!

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

Library of Congress: Teaching with Primary Sources Grant Opportunity

Library Announces Grant Opportunity to Enhance Teaching with Primary Sources

Library of Congress: Teaching with Primary Sources Grant Opportunity

The Library of Congress today announced fiscal year 2022 Teaching with Primary Sources grant opportunities. Applications are sought from organizations that aim to incorporate Library of Congress resources into educational programs and materials for learners representing diverse professions and communities. The application deadline is May 28, 2021. 

Click here for more information:  https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-21-019/library-announces-grant-opportunity-to-enhance-teaching-with-primary-sources/

Friday, April 30, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: Apr 30 - May 6, 2021

Spring time in Franklin and a small choice of in person events coming up: the Electric Youth perform under the tent at THE BLACK BOX, and two Story Walks remain available around town (downtown and DelCarte). 

On Tuesday, you can help the FEF celebrate Horace Mann's birthday with their "Day of Giving"


Friday, April 30
 Story Walk @DelCarte
 Downtown Story Walk
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:30pm -  Electric Youth 2021 Spring Show (In-Person and Livestreamed Event)
 
Saturday, May 1
 Story Walk @DelCarte
 Downtown Story Walk
 First Day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:30pm -  Electric Youth 2021 Spring Show (In-Person and Livestreamed Event)
 
Sunday, May 2
 Story Walk @DelCarte
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 
Monday, May 3
 Story Walk @DelCarte
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 
Tuesday, May 4
 Story Walk @DelCarte
 Day of Giving  (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/franklin-education-foundation-fef-may-4.html)
9:00am -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 
Wednesday, May 5
 Story Walk @DelCarte
 Cinco de Mayo
10:00am -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
1:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
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, May 6
 Story Walk @DelCarte
10:00am -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
11:00am -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
1:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm -  350 Mass Greater Franklin Node
7:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
8:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd 
 

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
Community Calendar
 

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Names Karen Maguire as Superintendent-Director

The Tri-County School Committee has unanimously appointed Karen Maguire of Carver as the Tri-County RVTHS Superintendent-Director as Stephen Dockray retires on June 30th. Dockray has worked for the Tri-County School District for 15 years, where he started as the Business Manager and transitioned to Superintendent-Director in 2011. 

As business manager, Dockray was given the opportunity to work on projects that got me involved in the academic aspects of the school. “I was able to work on grants and see the curriculum through innovative programs such as the summer academy and academic support,” says Dockray. He attended the Massachusetts Vocational Leadership Academy, which covers leadership, building community, personnel, finance, law, health insurance, curriculum, and special education to prepare for the Superintendent-Director position.

One of the difficulties Dockray is facing is the COVID-19 pandemic. The ever-changing climate of the pandemic has made his final year as Superintendent challenging. Vocational programs were phased back in with alternating grades attending two days a week and have been in person four days a week since November 2020. The goal is to have students phase in back to in-person learning by the end of April.

As Superintendent, Dockray has completed several large projects and capital improvements, including installing a new HVAC system, replacing the roof, upgrading to LED lighting throughout the building, a complete renovation of the engineering and advanced manufacturing career program space, and adding new programs, Medical Assisting and Legal and Protective Services. “Our goal is to monitor labor statistics and to adapt to the current and future workforce climate. We want to offer opportunities for our students to be successful both in the workforce after high school or be able to pursue further education.” 

Dockray has been working tirelessly for years to get the school renovation project in the pipeline with MSBA. Maguire will be tasked with getting approval from the sending towns to make the project a reality.

For his retirement plans, Dockray looks forward to traveling and getting out of the cold for the winter. “I’ve enjoyed my 15 years at Tri-County, but it is time for someone new to bring in new ideas and implement their thinking. Tri-County is a great school, and the knowledge and experience Karen will bring to the role will benefit the Tri-County School District. I wish her the best as she transitions into her new role this summer,” Stephen Dockray, Superintendent-Director

Maguire will join Tri-County from Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School where she served as Vice Principal and most recently as Director of Career Pathways and Integrated Learning and Engagement. Prior to being Vice Principal Maguire was a teacher at both vocational and traditional high schools.

Maguire is a graduate of South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School and received a Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education from Johnson and Wales University and a Master in Education Leadership from Fitchburg State College.
 
Tri-County RVTHS
Tri-County RVTHS
  

Pantherbook: "Franklin Panthers Won't Be Stopped: Cheer Wins Hockomock League Championship" (video)

"Franklin Panthers Won't Be Stopped: Cheer Wins Hockomock League Championship"
"Cheerleading competitions: massive gatherings of teams from all over, with crowds of parents and supporters packed into stands to watch the cheerleader’s routines. Of course, because of coronavirus restrictions, cheer competitions looked a lot different this year.

Although the cheer team typically competes in the Fall and Winter seasons, the MIAA changed the timeframe to be Fall II and Spring. In a regular season, the FHS team would compete in several invitational competitions before heading to Hockomocks (then, if all goes well, Regionals and States). This season, there was only one competition: Hockomocks.

After being denied a chance to compete for the Division I state championship when COVID struck last March, many members of the team were crushed, but they were eager to get back on the mat and prove themselves."
Continue reading the article online:
 
 
Video link => https://youtu.be/5cSfDYNbKWU

Members of the FHS Varsity Cheerleading team strike a pose during their performance for the 2021 Fall II Hockomock League Championship (photo - Eric Bichao)
Members of the FHS Varsity Cheerleading team strike a pose during their performance for the 2021 Fall II Hockomock League Championship (photo - Eric Bichao)



“Commuter rail is commuter rail. It’s not transit"

"When Garrett Wollman was considering his housing options in the greater Boston region back in 2001, the possibility of a carless commute beckoned. After all, the city has one of the best mass transit systems in the country, including an extensive regional rail network that ranges down to Providence, R.I., and up to beach towns like Gloucester and Manchester.

He picked a townhouse in downtown Framingham, a Boston suburb, a little over 20 miles from his job in Cambridge at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in part because it had a couple of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) regional rail stations within two miles of his front door.

In theory, it would take Wollman almost the same amount of time to drive to his job at MIT as it would to take mass transit. According to Google Maps, the trip by public transportation is a mere 10 minutes less by highway, so why not skip the hassle of traffic sometimes and ride the rail from Framingham?"
Continue reading the article online

“Commuter rail is commuter rail. It’s not transit"
“Commuter rail is commuter rail. It’s not transit"