Project envoy continues its work - "Survey finds significant food insecurity among Massachusetts families"

Project Envoy will be at the community table for the next 5 weeks sharing information about food insecurity and bringing awareness to the Franklin Food Pantry.  

Be sure to stop by and visit them.

#buyfrankfresh #farmersmarket #franklinma

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/533086900084632/posts/4332672013459416/

Coincidentally, the Boston Globe has an article on a recent study by MassINC:

"Nearly half of Massachusetts parents in a recent survey said their families experienced food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic, but many who were eligible for federal assistance didn’t seek it because they weren’t fully informed about the program, according to The MassINC Polling Group.

About 47 percent of those surveyed reported experiencing food insecurity over the past year, but only about 40 percent of that group received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, according to a statement from MassINC.

Fewer than half of those making $25,000 a year or less, an income that would most likely allow them to qualify for SNAP, actually received benefits, according to the survey."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/24/metro/survey-finds-significant-food-insecurity-among-massachusetts-families/
 

The MassINC survey results:  https://www.massincpolling.com/the-topline/survey-p-ebt-helped-thousands-of-families-access-food-but-as-food-insecurity-remains-high-other-assistance-programs-are-underutilized

Produce at the South Street Congregational Church food pantry in Pittsfield, Mass.BEN GARVER/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Franklin Cultural Festival opens registration for artisan vendors

ARTISAN VENDORS WANTED. Franklin Cultural Festival

Sunday, September 12, 12-6 PM

The Juried Craft Fair will be one element of the Franklin Cultural Festival, an event that also includes food trucks, a beer garden, and live performances. The Craft Fair will be made up of adult work by professional and semi-professional artisans, as well as a youth section of booths for crafters 18 and under. The Franklin Cultural Festival is hosted by the Franklin Cultural Council.

Link to request a spot as vendor: http://bit.ly/craft_fair_entry

In case the short link doesn't work for you try this:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdB7ClNOwlMqzCZ1huDBJbMu_2ky4pKhjfzZla5CNT7BfANTQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR3ThJup7yP1fs8eeEFkg_raK0-FQTgVhkCQNxRSZJua50zC-o6iaDiuksg&pli=1

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/399575860396247/posts/1455577048129451/

Franklin Cultural Festival opens registration for artisan vendors

Recap - School Committee - good work and progress highlighted room for opportunity on communications remains as school year closes

Quick Recap:

• Update on the Virtual learning academy (VLA) provided. This 'virtual school' served the remote students for all the elementary schools and without explicitly saying so found disparity among the different schools by grade level and brought the students to a good place for this challenging year. Interesting stat - 270 students started the year, 220 finished (50 went into school with return of in person learning).
• Update on the District Improvement Plan for their diversity, inclusion and equity work highlights the need for additional communications as many in the community were unaware of this work being done with a cross section of stakeholder representation. For a recent example, the FHS incident report was shared only with the direct FHS community and not the broader Franklin community
• Davis Thayer transition moves to next phase as building materials, etc. get determined to move or whatever. Decision to turn building over to Town is still a future item, timeline TBD.
• Workshop planned for July session in place of regular meeting, discussion of an outside audit a possible topic to find out what we have, where we could be and plan accordingly. The 3rd party view would augment the info provided to the Committee

----

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/F9uRGSN6ejSb3GkR8

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0608

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0608&src=typeahead_click 

 

Agenda document - https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-6-22-21

 

Meeting packet folder - https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-22-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

• Real time reporting underway for the School Committee meeting, last one of this school year #schcom0622

Virtual Learning Academy update

• Presentation on the virtual learning academy https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/vla #schcom0622
• VLA started with 270 students and when in person returned they only dropped to about 220. #schcom0622
• Digital learning integrationists were invaluable to the academy. #schcom0622
• Overview of the VLA a testament to creativity, collaboration of the teachers, etc. #schcom0622
• More slides from presentation deck #schcom0622
• The VLA principal also did a guest role sharing experience from a prior role as a park ranger at the Badlands Natl Pk. #schcom0622
• What was a favorite part of school? A sample of the results #schcom0622
• 4th grade one word response to the school year #schcom0622

District Improvement Plan - goals update

• Next up district improvement goals update on SEL and related topics #schcom0622 (a cool practice to take a few collective breaths)
• Presentation deck for this update so you can follow along https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sel.
•  #schcom0622#schcom0622 SEL site reference with monthly focus points https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net
• Counseling is a growing need #schcom0622
• Staff support via professional Development #schcom0622
• Monitoring to ensure effective delivery, along with check-in #schcom0622
• Diversity update #schcom0622
• Diversity next steps #schcom0622
• SEL and school safety, some of the protocol will remain, #schcom0622
• Feedback from students received to enhance the handbook with relatable language and examples of what some of the violations would be. #schcom0622 make it in more of kid friendly language

Discussion action items

• Discussion action items, https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d1-policy #schcom0622 motion to move to second reading, passes 7-0

Reopening status

• Next up, reopening status https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/status-update-6-18-21 #schcom0622 COVID pool testing ends with the closure of school. DESE updated requirements for summer school in regards to masks, encouraged for unvaccinated; clinic last week for middle schools, 120 first vaccines

Information matters

• Information matters, reminder in budget brochure to be shared; policy meeting July 28; workshop at July 27 meeting in lieu of regular meeting #schcom0622 Next meeting July 13, mostly routine things; raising possible outside audit for workshop discussion
• Dr Bergen comments on last day of school year. #schcom0622

Consent agenda

• Consent agenda motion to approve, seconded, desire to split them as D'Angelo was not part of the two meetings, she abstains from both of those separate votes; other three combined passes 6-0 (Spencer left) via roll call #schcom0622
• Motion to adjourn, passes 6-0 via roll call That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

  

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

good work and progress highlighted room for opportunity on communications remains as school year closes

FRIENDLY FITNESS FUNDRAISER Timeless CrossFit and Fitness - June 26

FRIENDLY FITNESS FUNDRAISER Timeless CrossFit and Fitness

This Saturday June 26 - 9 AM-12 noon

TAKE A SNEAK-PEEK AT SOME OF OUR AWESOME RAFFLE ITEMS BELOW!

Partner workouts, there's something for everyone or just come hang out!

Raffle #1: $100 Downtown Sports Gift Card

Raffle #2: Free private gymnastics lesson, water bottle and kids T shirt @ Flipside Gymnastics

Raffle #3: Mac Makeup Gift Bag ($100 value), Traveling Beauty

Raffle #4: Free Spray Tan with Margaret Lampanosa **

Raffle #5: $100 Gift Card to California Nails

Raffle #6: Vitamin and Energy boost IV treatment from RevIVe Advanced Therapy.($150 value)

Raffle #7: Franklin Nutrition gift basket

Raffle #8: Franklin Nutrition gift basket

Raffle #9: The Rome Restaurant gift card

Raffle #10: Jack Daniels Cornhole Set

Raffle #11: Jack Daniels YETI Cooler

Raffle #12: Jack Daniels Tote with Tees/Tanks and BBQ essentials

Raffle #13: 4 Premium rocks glass with high end Bluetooth speaker

More raffle items on the way!

https://www.facebook.com/100001125155245/posts/4114034321977366/

For more on the purpose of this fund raiser:

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/help-send-caroline-and-her-coach-to.html

send Caroline and her coach to the CrossFit Games

MA News Briefs: Governors race adding candidates ; Baker proposes to expand tax break holiday

Governors race adding candidates 

"Another day, another candidate in the race for Massachusetts governor not named Baker. Or Healey, for that matter. 

With today’s campaign launch by Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, three Democrats have now formally announced bids for the state’s top job. The Jamaica Plain lawmaker joins former Senate colleague Ben Downing and Harvard professor Danielle Allen in the race for the Democratic nomination."

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/baker-healey-watch-as-field-for-governor-forms-2/ 

Gov Baker proposes to expand tax break holiday

"WITH MASSACHUSETTS on track to end the year with a multi-billion dollar surplus, Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday proposed a two-month sales tax holiday that would give consumers a break from the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax in August and September in an effort to drive shoppers to local businesses. 

The major tax relief proposal would cost the state an estimated $900 million in forgone revenue, but the Republican governor said it would also be a way for the state to show appreciation to business owners and consumers who have contributed to the surplus by finding ways to support each other during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-proposes-2-month-not-2-day-sales-tax-holiday/

 

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities in Marketing/Communications, Health nurse, Executive Asst, Custodians, etc.

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.  

• Marketing and Communications Specialist - Offices of the Town Administrator and Superintendent of Schools

  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/marketing-and-communications-specialist-jobposting-deadline-july92021.pdf

• Public Health Nurse - Health Department 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/public-health-nurse-posting-june2021.docx_0.pdf

• Regional Health Agent - Sanitary Inspections and Enforcement - Metacomet Public Health Alliance (apply through the Town of Wrentham) 

https://www.wrentham.ma.us/files/Wrentham%20Website%20Files/Human%20Resources/Employment%20Opportunities/Metacomet%20PHA_Regional%20Health%20Agent_Job%20Posting.pdf

• Executive Assistant - Town Administrator's Office 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/executive-assistant-posting-deadline-extended_1.pdf

• Part-time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/part-time.and-substitute-custodians-june2021.pdf

• Summer Jobs - Facilities Department - DPW summer positions are full - FACILITIES IS STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

Read more  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities

Be the Match for Gigi - June 26 (video)

Gigi is a beautiful 2 year old in need of a stem cell bone marrow transplant matched donor. There will be a drive through event on Saturday, June 26 at the Horace Mann Middle School from 9 AM to 1 PM to conduct the 5 minute cheek swab while in your car.

PLEASE NOTE:  To join the registry you must be 18-44 years old, in good health and willing to donate to any patient in need.

Questions? Contact Ann Evans at Be The Match New England aevans@ribc.org or 401-714-6240

Can't make the event - join the registry at my.bethematch.org/swabforgigi

30 second video promo link -> https://vimeo.com/561894124

Download the poster as a reminder: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kUp324DD4vpCPCxJvKT-ehdpqvpAjRZE/view?usp=sharing

Be the Match for Gigi - June 26 (video)

FYI Be the Match PSA-Cablecast.mov from TCAM TV on Vimeo.

Keeping wits and hope alive

For the runners among us:

"For the first third of his preliminary race at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials, Sean McGorty ran comfortably, keeping pace near the front of a heap of 14 runners. He had started running the 3,000-meter steeplechase — a middle-distance event that requires competitors to hurdle high, hard barriers, sometimes over 2½-feet-deep pits of water — in May, but already he had achieved the qualifying standard.

McGorty, a Fairfax native and Chantilly High graduate, entered Oregon’s Hayward Field hopeful to reach the Tokyo Olympics. To secure his place in the final, he would need to finish in the top five. Everything was going to plan one kilometer in, until it wasn’t. A runner stepped on the back of McGorty’s right foot, ripping down the heel of his shoe.

“I got a flat tire,” McGorty said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2021/06/22/sean-mcgorty-olympic-trials/

Sean McGorty finished ninth in his preliminary heat of the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Eugene, Ore. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

350 MASS: Who's Delaying Climate Action in MA? (video)

Via 350 MASS: 

"Earlier this year, Brown University released a bombshell report that identified the forces working against climate action in Massachusetts. 

Hear from researchers Trevor Culhane, Galen Hall, and J Timmons Roberts, as well as Rep. Mike Connolly to answer the question everyone is asking: Who's Delaying Climate Action in MA? "

video link -> https://youtu.be/wgn6pBbiqlY

 

MA News Briefs: traffic is back, legislature rebuffs Gov Baker, remote access should stay for meetings

“Traffic, for all intents and purposes, is back to about 2019 levels on most roadways in Massachusetts at this point,” Gulliver said in a presentation to the Department of Transportation’s board.

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/21/metro/massachusetts-traffic-is-back-2019-levels-massdot-says/

"House lawmakers on Tuesday rejected Governor Charlie Baker’s proposal to spend $2.8 billion of federal funds provided to the state through the American Rescue Plan, opting instead to stow the majority of the $5.3 billion in aid into a separate account under the Legislature’s control.

House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano and Senate President Karen E. Spilka said in a statement Tuesday that by placing the money in a separate fund, it will allow lawmakers to decide how best to use the money with input from the public."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/22/metro/legislature-rejects-bakers-spending-plan-federal-covid-funds-governor-concerned-with-delay-disbursements/

"As we look back on the hellish year gone by, it’s also time to sort through those changes worth keeping, those things that actually made improvements in our lives.

And those changes don’t begin and end with to-go cocktails — as much fun as they were. One of the best things to come out of the pandemic lockdown was the way most government bodies from Beacon Hill committees to municipal boards and commissions adapted, allowing their own members and members of the public to attend meetings remotely — from the comfort and safety of their homes.

Computer screens became that critical window on the political world that allowed the public to tune in to legislative committee hearings on crucial issues, city council hearings, town meetings. And not merely to tune in, in many of those cases, but also to offer remote testimony. Distance or disability was no longer a factor. Nor was the inability to get a babysitter or reluctance to make the hours-long trek from Pittsfield to Boston."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/22/opinion/remote-access-public-meetings-post-pandemic-must/

495/MetroWest Partnership: Our 2021 "Strength in Numbers" Report

Plus, economic and demographic profiles for each of our 36 cities and towns

Strength in Numbers 2021 & Community Profiles Each year, the 495/MetroWest Partnership publishes our Strength in Numbers report, highlighting our region's advantages and successes. While 2020 brought with it instability, hardship, and unprecedented challenges for all of our stakeholders, 2021 has shown optimism and resurgence in the 495/MetroWest region. While many residents and businesses were adversely impacted by the pandemic, our region was uniquely well-positioned to weather the crisis economically, due to a strong presence of invulnerable economic sectors and a highly educated workforce, consistently enjoying comparatively lower unemployment. Now, as we emerge from the pandemic, those advantages continue to serve our region well. Click Here to Download our 2021 Strength in Numbers Report Accompanying our 2021 Strength in Numbers report are economic and demographic profiles of each of our 36 cities and towns. Data points presented in each community profile include population changes, educational attainment, commuting patterns, housing information, occupations and industries, and more. Click Here to Access our 2021 Community Profiles https://www.495partnership.org/reports-and-data We invite our stakeholders to utilize our Strength in Numbers report and the accompanying community profiles in promoting the region and inviting others to be a part of all that is happening throughout our 36 communities! Franklin Community Profile  =>   https://mecc.memberclicks.net/assets/2021CommunityProfiles/FRANKLIN.pdf As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the Partnership can be of any assistance to you: Jason Palitsch, Executive Director (774) 760-0495 x105 Jason@495Partnership.org Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening our region.

The 495/MetroWest Partnership | 200 Friberg Parkway, Suite 1003, Westborough, MA 01581 Sent by jason@495partnership.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

“Massachusetts is going to be ground zero for the next wave of this fight”

"A fight that became the most expensive ballot measure in California’s history has arrived in full force in Massachusetts, setting the stage for a potentially costly campaign that could reshape the state’s labor law and how hundreds of thousands of workers operate under it.

The question of whether Uber drivers, DoorDash delivery people, and other so-called gig economy workers should be classified as independent contractors or employees has already reared its head in litigation and at the State House, where a bill backed by the major ride-hailing companies is working through Beacon Hill’s legislative gears.

But the emergence of two similarly named but opposing coalitions — each claiming the backing of app-based workers — is seeding a potential ballot question fight next fall, when voters could be asked to decide how the workers should be treated."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/22/metro/mass-poised-be-ground-zero-high-stakes-gig-economy-battle-potential-ballot-question-looms/

Library of Congress: Copyright Public Modernization Committee Announced

Library Announces Copyright Public Modernization Committee The Library of Congress announced today the membership of the new Copyright Public Modernization Committee (CPMC), which is being convened to enhance communication and provide a public forum for the technology-related aspects of the U.S. Copyright Office's modernization initiative.  The first CPMC meeting will be hosted by the Library on July 22, 2021. Click here for more information -> https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-21-034/library-of-congress-announces-copyright-public-modernization-committee/2021-06-22/