Tuesday, June 22, 2021

New York Times: "What Are the Roadblocks to a ‘Vaccine Passport’?"

"With all American adults now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines and businesses and international borders reopening, a fierce debate has kicked off across the United States over whether a digital health certificate (often and somewhat misleadingly called a “vaccine passport”) should be required to prove immunization status.

Currently, Americans are issued a white paper card as evidence of their COVID-19 shots, but these can easily be forged, and online scammers are already selling false and stolen vaccine cards.

While the federal government has said it will not introduce digital vaccine passports by federal mandate, a growing number of businesses — from cruise lines to sports venues — say they will require proof of vaccinations for entry or services. Hundreds of digital health pass initiatives are scrambling to launch apps that provide a verified electronic record of immunizations and negative coronavirus test results to streamline the process."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.nytimes.com/article/vaccine-passport.html

The Heliix Health Passport is only one of many developers are working on as a way of sharing coronavirus vaccine and testing information quickly and securely. Credit...Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Credit...Ethan Miller/Getty Images


Dr Fauci and Kara Swisher on the Sway podcast (audio)

"Anthony Fauci doesn’t have a Twitter account. But he does have a lot to say about the recent scrutiny following the release of his emails from 2020 — an especially busy time in his tenure as America’s chief immunologist. Republicans like Ron DeSantis have used the emails as fodder for criticism, accusing him of “faucism” (yes, that’s a play on fascism). Fauci’s response: “Here’s a guy whose entire life has been devoted to saving lives. And now you’re telling me he’s like Hitler? Come on, folks. Get real.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

New York Times: "workplaces in apartment buildings"

"Before the pandemic, Tony Dopazo leased an office in Boston and used co-working spaces in Brooklyn for his company, Metro Tech Services, an IT provider for start-ups and biotech companies. Then the pandemic lockdown forced him, like countless others, to work remotely. That meant he was on the phone with clients from his apartment building, Level, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

At first, with the common areas in his rental building closed by Covid restrictions, Mr. Dopazo, 47, hunkered down in his one-bedroom, which was “brutal,” he said, “everything mish-mashing into one big blob of time.” But after the common spaces opened in September, he started going down to a co-working area in a ninth-floor lounge every day.

The arrangement affords some “mental separation” from his home, he said, and, with other tenants working in the same space, he has companionship. When he needs to print or scan something, he heads to the ground-level business center. If he’s hungry, he returns to his apartment to make a sandwich, and for a break, he can take a dip in the building’s pool."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/18/realestate/coworking-rentals-condos.html

A co-working area on the ninth floor is where Mr. Dopazo often sets up shop for the day.Credit...Tom Sibley for The New York Times
Credit...Tom Sibley for The New York Times


Monday, June 21, 2021

FM #569 = Community Preservation Committee votes 9-0 to approve 'right of first refusal' (audio)

FM #569 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 569 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held Thursday, June 17, 2021


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all nine of the committee members were in the Municipal Bldg, along with Town administration personnel, some of the public joined via conference bridge.


Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Preservation Committee meeting held Thursday, June 17.


* Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/279de95c-aab8-4e7c-a680-68490c0221ae



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


Meeting agenda -> 

https://franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee/events/330126 #cpc0617


Right of first refusal summary

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf  


Recap of the meeting ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-community-preservation-committee.html


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


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


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"

 

Community Preservation Committee votes 9-0 to approve 'right of first refusal' (audio)
Community Preservation Committee votes 9-0 to approve 'right of first refusal' (audio)

Franklin TV: "The Dawning of a New Day? Juneteenth – Looking back, looking forward"

"As I sit in my office staring at a sunrise on a Saturday morning, musing and typing away, it is literally the dawn of a new day. A lovely day.

It’s also a brand-spankin’-new federal holiday.  It is officially –   Juneteenth.

This day commemorates June 19, 1865, when, more than a month after the last battle of the Civil War, Union soldiers informed the slaves of Galveston, Texas that they were at last emancipated. The date has been celebrated by black Americans ever since; first in Texas and eventually throughout the US. Whether you call Juneteenth Emancipation Day, Freedom Day or our second Independence Day, Juneteenth is one of the most important anniversaries in our nation's history.

There are those among us who cringe and fret over a holiday that calls attention to the past – to the darkest days of our nation’s history. I submit for consideration that every holiday has its rai·son d'ê·tre – a profound purpose to be fulfilled.

We celebrate – on July 4th – This year the festival returns to Franklin.

We commemorate – on Memorial Day- and honor those who served our country. 

We rededicate – with each New Year – resolving to advance our better natures.

Now on every Juneteenth, let us not only commemorate long delayed independence of all, but embrace the opportunity to accelerate the just and equal enjoyment of that independence for all. Let Juneteenth lean forward into a better future. Let Juneteenth ask its essential perennial question, “How can we all work to eliminate pernicious systemic racism and advance genuine social and economic justice and true equality for everyone?”

We should all see Juneteenth as more than a ‘black holiday’, but a joyful journey for all of us toward the perfection of “freedom and justice for all”.

Let Juneteenth be an action item. In the fullness of time every Juneteenth will come to represent the dawn of a new day. A lovely day – for everyone.
And –  as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching. "


Pete Fasciano, Executive Director  

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes

Franklin TV: "The Dawning of a New Day? Juneteenth – Looking back, looking forward"
Franklin TV: "The Dawning of a New Day? Juneteenth – Looking back, looking forward"


Empty Bowls Silent Auction closes out at 10 PM Monday, June 21


"What's still happening? The Empty Bowls Silent Auction & an opportunity to donate to the Franklin Food Pantry. 
Let's do this Franklin!! "
@FHS_EmptyBowls @FranklinFoodPan @FranklinHS @GreaterBoston

Silent Auction =>  https://sites.google.com/view/emptybowls6/home

Shared from Twitter: -> https://t.co/iY7LxvFMuW


Empty Bowls Silent Auction closes out at 10 PM Monday, June 21
Empty Bowls Silent Auction closes out at 10 PM Monday, June 21




FHS girls outdoor track take 3rd place in D1 South meet

 

"The Franklin Girls Track Team finished in third place today at the Division 1 South Championship Track and Field Meet. Katelynn Taylor scored in two events. Katelynn won the shot put breaking the FHS school record. She also broke the FHS school record in the discus ....  "
https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1406917849726263300

"... Jill Fenerty won the 400 meters, breaking her own person best in that event. Lindsey Morse finished second in the high jump and scored in the triple jump. Ava Fraulo finished 3rd in the high jump. Freshman Lily Deforge placed in two events.  " https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1406918273359355906

" @Kate22Taylor   impressive performance yesterday at Sectionals (1st in Shot Put and 2nd in Discus) earns her spots in both events at States this weekend in Norwell.  @tommycassell44   @HockomockSports   @FHSSports   @MIAA033"  https://twitter.com/fhs_throwers/status/1406916989810057218


@Kate22Taylor   impressive performance
@Kate22Taylor   impressive performance



FHS' Taylor and Flynn named Hockomock League Scholar Athletes

"The Hockomock League Principals and Athletic Directors are pleased to announce the 31st Annual Hockomock League Scholar Athlete Awards. The twenty-four athletes that are being honored have been selected by the Administration of their respective schools and represent the top student athletes in the Hockomock League based on academics, athletic participation, sportsmanship, leadership, and citizenship. They have all successfully balanced a demanding academic schedule along with participation in athletics as well as many extra-curricular activities during their high school career. To be selected for this award represents four years of dedication and commitment, and we are proud of all their accomplishments. We hope that these student-athletes will put all of their experiences over the past four years to good use and that those experiences will help guide them through the challenges ahead.

We congratulate the parents and guardians for your contributions and guidance as you have enabled your child to reach this level of excellence. We are certain that the foundation you have given them will carry them through future endeavors."

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2021 SCHOLAR-ATHLETES:
  • ATTLEBORO: Diana Blouin and Michael Strachan Jr.
  • CANTON: Stephanie Trendell and Jack Hernon
  • FOXBORO: Emma Dahl and Christian Cusack
  • FRANKLIN: Katelynn Taylor and Colman Flynn
  • KING PHILIP: Katarina Schneider and Cole Breen
  • MANSFIELD: Lindsay Devine and Jack Taylor
  • MILFORD: Eva Parson and Jack Jansons
  • NORTH ATTLEBORO: Olivia Etienvre and Andrew Faris
  • OLIVER AMES: Samantha Streton and Matthew Nikiciuk
  • SHARON: Brynne Aidlin-Perlman and Kiran Chandrasekaran
  • STOUGHTON: Emily Pham-Nguyen and Nikhil Khond
  • TAUNTON: Olivia Dias and Nolan Tavares 
Via HockomockSports.com

FHS' Taylor and Flynn named Hockomock League Scholar Athletes
FHS' Taylor and Flynn named Hockomock League Scholar Athletes


Ode To Davis Thayer (video) Composed by Jamie Barrett

"We say goodbye to Davis   later on today
I've offered up to sing a song   I don't know what to say
He's forever been a part of our Franklin families
Feel like I'm swimming in a flood of memories 

He lived a good long life   almost a century 
Started as a high school ended as elementary
So many came to him with a thirst for knowledge 
So many left and went to work or away to college

Things keep changing that's what they say
And we don't miss nothing till it's gone away
But the truth will be here till we're old and grey
You can take away Davis… but in our hearts he'll always stay

He was our home for many a year
He's seen every burst of laughter and every tear
From the comical and crazy to the calm and the cool
And all of the excitement of a brand new day of school 

Classrooms bursting with creativity
All staff and teachers feeding the kids curiosity 
Amazing artwork and staying fit with ol' Phys Ed
And the Sound of Music keeps on playing in my head

Things keep changing that's what they say
And we don't miss nothing till it's gone away
But the truth will be here till we're old and grey
You can take away Davis… but in our hearts he'll always stay

And now the halls are empty and everything is silent
Once filled with an energy so vital and so vibrant
But as sure as that ol' church bell will chime 
The DT door behind me closes one   last   time…"



By Franklin's own Jamie Barrett

Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds' Social Media

Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today reiterated the importance he places on the Registry’s use of social media platforms to communicate directly with the citizens of Norfolk County.

“At the Registry of Deeds,” noted O’Donnell, “we put a priority on communicating with Registry users. Just because our doors close at the end of the business day doesn’t mean the Registry has to stop working for you. For example, our website www.norfolkdeeds.org allows people to look up and view over 13 million scanned images with some 40 million pages of land documents dating back to the Registry’s beginnings in 1793. Additionally, users can access our website to learn about our latest consumer protection programs. I also want people to know that Registry information is accessible not just from workstations and laptops, but also from their smartphones and tablets.”

Register O’Donnell further noted that you can print out an application of the popular Homestead Act. A Homestead provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.

Norfolk County residents can also sign-up on-line for its free Consumer Notification Service. This program will alert a person anytime a land document has been recorded against their name in Norfolk County. Additionally, there is valuable county real estate information that can be researched and tracked. Someone interested in the number of residential and commercial properties sold or the average prices of property sold can find that information.  

Besides the Registry website, other forms of social media utilized by the Registry of Deeds include Facebook, facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds and Twitter, twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds. “The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds,” noted the Register, “has utilized Facebook and Twitter to provide information to the general public. By utilizing these platforms, Norfolk County residents can learn more about home ownership and other consumer initiatives like protecting themselves against Deed Scam rip-offs, along with other outreach services, including learning about Registry office hours in their local community.”

The Registry has also filmed multiple public service announcements (PSA’s) which are available on the Registry’s website and YouTube. These PSA’s have touched on a variety of issues such as assistance for residents who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender.

Concluding, Register O’Donnell stated, “At the Registry of Deeds, we recognize the value of using social media platforms to forward important information to Norfolk County residents. If you have questions related to real property, I urge you to take a look at our social media offerings. As important as these social media offerings are, the Registry of Deeds has a Customer Service Center at 1-781-461-6101 where members of the public can seek assistance.”

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. 

Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds' Social Media
Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds' Social Media


New York Times: "From the pandemic’s earliest days, the C.D.C. was subject to extreme politicization"

"In November, an independent team of academics and public-health experts who called themselves the Covid Rapid Response Working Group gathered on Zoom to puzzle over what had by then become the pandemic’s most vexing challenge: how to make all schools safe for full-time, in-person learning as quickly as possible. Schools had not proved to be a hotbed of coronavirus transmission, but beyond that the research was complicated, and communities were divided about how to balance the risks. Some people wanted a full reopening, immediately, no exceptions. Others were terrified to return at all.

So far, there was no national plan for how to move forward. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was advising everyone to wear masks and remain six feet apart at all times. But that guidance was a significant impediment to any full-bore reopening, because most schools could not maintain that kind of distance and still accommodate all their students and teachers. It also left many questions unanswered: How did masks and distancing and other strategies like opening windows fit together? Which were essential? Could some measures be skipped if others were followed faithfully?"
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/16/magazine/cdc-covid-response.html

Danielle Allen, head of the Safra Center at Harvard, led Covid Rapid Response Working Group. You may recall that she also recently declared she would be running for MA Governor.

You can listen to Danielle on an episode of  "Toward a More Perfect Union"

listen to Danielle on an episode of  "Toward a More Perfect Union"
listen to Danielle Allen on an episode of  "Toward a More Perfect Union"


Boston Globe: "The warming climate is leading us into a dangerous vicious cycle"

"When smothering heat and humidity overtake the cool of spring, a familiar quest for relief begins, usually a trek to the basement or attic to dig out the window unit that’s been dormant all winter, or flipping on the central air. It brings welcome, sometimes lifesaving cool.

It is also a growing contributor to the already perilous climate problem. And in New England’s heat wave early this month — five days of 90 degree-plus heat, the longest June heat wave in nearly a century — peak electricity demand from air conditioning put 36 million extra pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 23, 2021

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
June 23, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street

 
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.  This meeting may be recorded by others. 
b. Chair to identify Council Members participating remotely

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
a. Police Department Recognition: Patrol Officer David Mellor
b. Fire & Police Department Recognition: Winter Street Incident

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Annual Reappointments

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
  • S&J Restaurant, LLC d/b/a Sierra’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, New Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Manager, located at 648 Old West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038.
  • Proof Restaurant, LLC d/b/a Proof, New Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Manager, located at 862 West Central Street, 2nd Floor, Franklin, MA 02038.

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Open Meeting Law (OML) Complaint from Patrick Higgins: Failure to approve Town Council meeting minutes in a timely manner.

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-33: Expenditure - Recreation Department Expenses, Fletcher Fund (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-33 - Majority Vote)
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-34: Appropriation - Franklin Downtown Zoning and Marketing Capital Account (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-34 - Majority Vote)
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-35: FY21 Appropriation Transfers (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-35 - Majority Vote)
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-36: Gift acceptance - Police, $100 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-36 - Majority Vote)
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-37: Termination of the Veteran’s Services Agreement (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-37 Majority Vote)
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-26: Gift Acceptance - Historical Museum, $100 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-26 - Majority Vote)
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-874: Amendment to CH. 185 Section 21 Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 21-874 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Exception #2: Contract negotiations with non-union personnel, namely: Town Administrator
b. Exception #3: Strategy with respect to collective bargaining: all eight Town unions

15. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
a. Ratify collective bargaining agreements relative to Juneteenth holiday, subject to Executive Session outcome.
Legislation for action: 
Resolution 21-38: Ratify collective bargaining agreements relative to Juneteenth holiday (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-38 Majority Vote)
b. Vote on approving Administrator contract, subject to Executive Session outcome
Legislation for action: 
Resolution 21-39: Approval of Town Administrator’s Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-39 Majority Vote)

ADJOURN

Note: 
  • Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
  • Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-23-town-council-agenda


Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 23, 2021
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 23, 2021


FM #568 - EDC discussion on housing plan and requirements for home based businesses (audio)

FM #568 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 568 in the series. 


This shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that was held on Wednesday, June 16, 2021


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; two committee members were in the Council Chambers, two participated remotely along with several others via Zoom conference bridge. 


Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The meeting recording runs about 1 hour and forty (~1:40) minutes.  Let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting for June 16


Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fe96a8ad-4355-46bd-af15-42220606715b


-----------


Meeting agenda 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/edc_agenda_6-16-2021.pdf


MAHT presentation doc

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/06022021_maht_presentation_-_dpcd.pdf


Housing Production Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf 


My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-economic-development-subcommittee.html 


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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial


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/

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"

 

EDC discussion on housing plan and requirements for home based businesses
EDC discussion on housing plan and requirements for home based businesses

Two Franklin High School Girls Sports Team Updates

"The Franklin HS Girls Track Team’s 4x800 Relay scored 8th in the 4x800 Relay at the Div 1 Meet and ran its fastest time of the year. The team consisted of Angelina Perez, Charlene Peng, Lily Duffy, Kyra McSweeney. Also a member of that team was alternate Alli Powderly."

2
"FHS Girls Tennis 2021 https://t.co/HXrJm2GXiM"

Franklin Girls Tennis 2021
Franklin Girls Tennis 2021


The Boston Globe: "Franklin’s Kristi Kirshe named to US women’s rugby Olympic roster"


"Kristi Kirshe starred in soccer at Franklin High, and only picked up rugby in her first year at Williams College, but now the 26-year-old is headed to the Tokyo Olympics as a center/wing for the US women’s rugby sevens team.

Kirshe is one of 12 starters on the roster, announced Thursday, which also includes three reserves and 10 coaches, trainers, and health experts. The 5-foot-5-inch, 160-pounder is one of 10 starters headed to their first Olympics, with Lauren Doyle and Alev Kelter the returners from the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

The US finished fifth at the 2016 Games, but claimed five medals in six tournaments to end 2019 ranked No. 2 in the world. The US was ranked fifth in 2020 when the World Rugby Sevens Series was disrupted by the pandemic."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

Kristi Kirshe runs with the ball during an international tournament in February.DAVID RAMOS/GETTY
Kristi Kirshe runs with the ball during an international tournament in February.DAVID RAMOS/GETTY


"Consumer spending is almost 70 percent of the economy. What Americans buy determines their standard of living"

"Travel agent Dottie Williford’s phone won’t stop buzzing: Her high-end clients in Raleigh, N.C., are eager to explore the world again. She stayed up until midnight recently to book two $20,000 cabins on a luxury cruise to the Bahamas in July. The high-end cruise ship normally sails the Mediterranean but was brought back to the Bahamas as Americans feel safer traveling closer to home. Tickets sold out by 9 a.m.

“People don’t usually spend $20,000 to go to the Bahamas, but my clients are,” Williford said. “The first things to sell out were the top category on the ship.”

The luxury travel boom is one of the clearest signs of a budding spending surge by wealthy Americans that is likely to tilt the balance of the economy even further toward the well-off and may deepen economic disparities already heightened by the global pandemic."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/06/18/luxury-boom-recovery/

"Consumer spending is almost 70 percent of the economy. What Americans buy determines their standard of living"
"Consumer spending is almost 70 percent of the economy. What Americans buy determines their standard of living"


"The annual fertility rate may be dropping — births have fallen for six straight years"

"Luz Portillo, the oldest daughter of Mexican immigrants, has many plans. She is studying to be a skin care expert. She has also applied to nursing school. She works full time, too — as a nurse’s aide and doing eyelash extensions, a business she would like to grow.

But one thing she has no plans for anytime soon is a baby.

Ms. Portillo’s mother had her when she was 16. Her father has worked as a landscaper for as long as she can remember. She wants a career and more control over her life.

“I can’t get pregnant, I can’t get pregnant,” she said she tells herself. “I have to have a career and a job. If I don’t, it’s like everything my parents did goes in vain.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

Don't forget Free job search and career assistance from local libraries


In case you didn't know, many libraries offer job-search and career assistance services. Several Massachusetts networking groups are actually run by libraries.

I work for the Framingham Public library on Thursdays from 9am to 1:30pm.  I offer three appointments each week:  9am, 10:30am, and Noon, via Zoom..
As the services are provided by the libraries, there is no additional cost to you (because tax dollars pay for the service).

If you need job-search help, career planning assistance, interview prep, or coaching, visit https://framinghamlibrary.org/services/job-help/
to learn how to make an appointment with me. Please note this service is offered by the City of Framingham and the Framingham Public Library to all on a first-come, first-service basis.

BTW, While I currently provide the service via Zoom, the Framingham Library is opening up in stages.  I'll probably be onsite at the library starting in September.

Have a great weekend!

Ed Lawrence


Boston Globe: "Local officials say Baker is failing to invest in state’s broken public health system"

"Local public health officials were excited when the Baker administration recently announced a modest grant program to help beleaguered towns and cities be better prepared for the next pandemic. For the first time in decades, they said, the state was investing new money on the front lines of disease prevention.

But then came Governor Charlie Baker’s announcement on Thursday that not a single dollar out of $2.8 billion in federal pandemic relief funding he plans to allocate would go toward public health programs. Instead, he said, the money would be used to ease the state’s housing crunch and other priorities.

Now, some of the same leaders who were praising the administration days ago are lamenting what they say is Baker’s shortsightedness. They believe the governor is missing a historic opportunity to make a dramatic new investment in the state’s tattered public health system."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)