Wednesday, September 1, 2021

MASC-SchoolCommittee: shares the @MASchoolsK12 updated COVID-19 protocol flowchart

MASC-School Committee (@MASCSchoolComm) tweeted at 6:02 AM on Wed, Sep 01, 2021:
Please note that @MASchoolsK12 released an updated COVID protocols flowchart on 8/30. 
It can be found here: https://t.co/HonZlqYOTo #MAEdu
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1433007267914428419?s=03

View the update protocol flowchart ->  https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/flowcharts.pdf

updated COVID protocols flowchart
updated COVID protocols flowchart


Senator Warren visits Franklin

"It was great to welcome back to Franklin for a Town Hall meeting on the Common. She spoke about issues important to us — climate change, health care, world peace, civic engagement, and voting rights — and then engaged with residents during a Q&A session."


Senator Warren visits Franklin
Senator Warren visits Franklin



Tuesday, August 31, 2021

FM #594 - Talk Franklin with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 08/27/21 (audio)

FM #594 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 594 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


We talk about: 

  • Heat wave, Summer recap

  • Personnel changes; Lily Rivera here; Dale Kurtz leaving; Karen Bratt of Human Resources busy

  • Maple Hill approval, paperwork to complete the transaction underway

  • Cultural festival – Sep 12; food trucks, beer/wine garden, music, dancing lessons, etc.

    • Harvest Festival – Oct 2

 

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie.


Audio file -> 
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8f638f3e-acb0-46f0-91f4-76c902cc6f89


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


Town Council agenda  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/9-1-21_town_council_agenda.pdf   


Cultural Festival scheduled for September  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/franklin-gearing-up-for-franklin.html 


Harvest Festival scheduled for October  https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2021/04/harvest-festival-scheduled-for-october.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"

 

FM #594 - Talk Franklin with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 08/27/21 (audio)
FM #594 - Talk Franklin with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 08/27/21 (audio)

Franklin (MA) Board of Health - Agenda - Sep 1, 2021

Franklin Board of Health 
Duly Scheduled Meeting

Wednesday, September 1, 2021, 5:00 PM
Training Room

AGENDA

1) Reading and Acceptance of August 4, 2021 meeting minutes

2) OLD BUSINESS

3) NEW BUSINESS
Tune it out program update
14 Hunters Rd local upgrade request
Metacomet Shared Service grant update
Public health nurse update
Heart Safe Community program discussion
School Committee Interaction Update

Chairman opens the floor for any other new business

(4) CITIZENS COMMENTARY

(5) ADJOURNMENT 



Franklin (MA) Board of Health - Agenda - Sep 1, 2021
Franklin (MA) Board of Health - Agenda - Sep 1, 2021


Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) scheduled for Framers Market Friday, Sep 3

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) (@FranklinEdOrg) tweeted on Mon, Aug 30, 2021:
FEF will be at the Farmers Market on Friday, September 3, from 2 PM to 6 PM on the Town Common.

We look forward to saying hello to all who have supported FEF over the years and to those still learning about FEF.
 
Please stop by and enroll as a Friend of FEF. All are welcome!
Shared from Twitter: (https://twitter.com/FranklinEdOrg/status/1432323282817146885?s=03

Franklin Ed.org scheduled for Framers Market Friday, Sep 3
Franklin Ed.org scheduled for Framers Market Friday, Sep 3


Franklin High School - news you can use

Fall 2021

Student ID's & bus pass pick up- there will be a table set up in the Cafeteria during lunch the first week of school for students to pick up their ID's and bus passes. If we do not have a photo on file for your student, have them stop in the Main Office and we will take their photo and print an ID for them.

Chromebook Insurance for 2021-2022 school year-payment portal open now through September 16th. Click HERE to purchase via Unibank  https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx?TID=28690



Can't access your Aspen account? First, try using the Forgot my Password link on the Aspen log in page. If that does not resolve your issue, use THIS FORM to request a password reset.   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXJoddN1p8G5HAd4ORUUek3dXCNSM81z5eBZ5VSLS5TJAyzA/viewform

Upcoming events:  
Aug 31       First day of School !!  School hours 7:35 AM to 2:10 PM
Sept 3        No School PD Day
Sept 6        No School-Labor Day
Sept 7        No School- Rosh Hashanah
Sept 8        9th grade class meeting (assembly)
Sept 9        10th grade class meetings (assemblies)
Sept 10      11th & 12th grade class meetings (assemblies)
Sept 16      No School Yom Kippur
Sept 30      Curriculum Night for Parents/Guardians at FHS from 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Oct 1          Half Day of School - PD Day; Dismissal at 10:55 AM, no lunch served
Oct 11        No School Columbus Day
Oct 15        Senior Portraits due to the yearbook advisor by this date
Oct 16        PSAT to be held for FHS Juniors only, class of 2023. From 7:30 AM to 12:00 noon; Online Registration/Payment will be open from September 3rd-10th. Cost is $25.00
Nov 2         No School-Election Day
 


Getting a driver's license or permit? Click HERE for information on obtaining the necessary documents from FHS  https://www.franklinps.net/fhs/students-families/pages/drivers-license-documentation-fhs

Need a work permit for a new job? Click HERE for information on obtaining one   https://www.franklinps.net/franklin-high-school/students-families/pages/work-permits

Click here for 2021-2022 Franklin Public Schools calendar  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/calendar_2021-22_0.pdf



Franklin High School - news you can use
Franklin High School - news you can use


Franklin Art Association - hybrid meeting - Sep 1

Dear FAA members, 

We are so excited to welcome everyone back IN PERSON this Wednesday Sept. 1st at the Franklin Senior Center for our first meeting of the year.  The meeting will start with a social hour at 6:30 PM, followed by a brief business meeting and then our feature event! Guest artist Karole Nicholson will give a live demonstration.  

The meeting will also be available on Zoom for those who can not join us in person.  Zoom link =>  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82181910922?pwd=ME9aTGtvRVJFVlg2aDBlMllVT1ZZdz09

Reminder: For the health of all, we ask that you please wear a mask when inside the Senior Center, regardless of vaccination status.  Thank you kindly for your cooperation. 

The Fall Show will be held Saturday, October 2 and will be open to ALL current members, no pre-registration required simply bring your work, ready to hang, with your show entry fee to the drop off!  All participating members are asked to assist in making the show a success by volunteering in some capacity.  Here: https://volunteersignup.org/B7WXH is sign up sheet for show volunteers. 

Show prospectus ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hwl2k_5GCSRx5j1rB5JadMww0lvXU1_l/view?usp=sharing

Membership renewal form ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FEufMLLTfaXLe3tGNkFi2Pk4Elmgd-7G/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Art Association - hybrid meeting - Sep 1
Franklin Art Association - hybrid meeting - Sep 1


18 Candidates have turned in their nomination papers

18 of the 35 candidates for the 6 roles have returned papers to the Town Clerk's office for validation and confirmation that they have met the requirements for the local election Nov 2, 2021. This status is as of close of business Aug 30, 2021.

If someone asks you to sign their nomination papers and you are registered to vote in Franklin, consider doing so. 

The full listing of candidates by role can be found on the Town Clerk page


Election timeline: 

  • September 10 by 5:00 PM – Last day to obtain Nomination papers
  • September 14 by 5:00 PM – Signed Nomination papers must be submitted to Board of Registrars for certification
  • September 30 by 5:00 PM- Last day to withdraw your candidacy
  • October 13 – Last day to register to vote.  Office hours will be extended to 8:00 PM or register online at http://www.sec.state.ma.us
  • Please visit our website www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk or call the Town Clerks Office at 508-520-4900 for a complete list of available positions.

18 Candidates have turned in their nomination papers
18 Candidates have turned in their nomination papers


MindShift: "How to Choose the Best Face Mask for Your Kids"

MindShift (@MindShiftKQED) tweeted on Mon, Aug 30, 2021:
Experts agree that the most important thing in selecting masks is to choose one that a child will actually wear properly all day long. https://t.co/aY4VKYP5Wn

"Which masks are best to keep kids safe? It's a question on many parents' minds as students return to in-person school amid a huge wave of coronavirus infections. Masking is a key safety measure in schools for all kids, especially for children too young to be eligible for any COVID-19 vaccine.

A recent study involving 100 school districts and 14 charter schools in North Carolina found that masks were effective at preventing in-school transmission of COVID-19 — even with physical distancing of less than 3 feet.

We asked several experts what parents should consider when it comes to masks for their kids. They all agreed that the most important thing is to choose one that a child will actually wear properly all day long."

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED/status/1432544925153853440?s=03

MindShift:  "How to Choose the Best Face Mask for Your Kids"
MindShift:  "How to Choose the Best Face Mask for Your Kids"


"the end of the federal unemployment benefits may not lead to a huge surge in employment"

"MORE THAN 300,000 Massachusetts residents will lose federal unemployment insurance benefits at the end of this week, and no one is sure what that will mean for them or the state.

The federal government is pulling the plug on the benefits, which include an extra $300 a week, extra weeks, and a special program for gig workers and the self-employed. The end of the programs means the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars of income for the 300,000 Massachusetts residents and the state’s economy."

Continue reading the article online
 
"the end of the federal unemployment benefits may not lead to a huge surge in employment"
"the end of the federal unemployment benefits may not lead to a huge surge in employment"


Monday, August 30, 2021

FM #593 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 08/26/21 (audio)

FM #593 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 593 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting: 


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS     

Proclamation/Recognition: Dale Kurtz - Retirement, Veterans Service Officer

Recognition: Bristol Savings Bank - Donation to the Fire Department 

Recognition: Fourth of July Committee - Joe Carmignani & Paul Kortick


6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm        

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-874: Amendment to Ch.185 Section 21 Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements (to be continued)


7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS           

99 Restaurants of Boston, LLC d/b/a 99 Restaurant Pub #30130, Located at 847 West Central Street, 

Franklin, MA 02038, Change of Manager


8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS           

Department of Public Works: Trash & Recycling

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/8a._ppt_trash_fee_1.pdf


Councilor Comments – Kelly resignation


The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.


Our conversation runs about 23 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.


Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d4c2f940-6b9f-47eb-ad51-699bf0b516f7



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


Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/08-18-2021_town_council_agenda_packet.pdf 


Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/august-18-town-council-agenda 


Town Council recording (video by Franklin TV) -> https://franklintv.vod.castus.tv/vod/?video=ff2fcc25-3de0-4f4e-967e-731221d0fc5f&nav=programs%2FTown%20Council%2008-18-21 


I was out of town and missed the meeting so I have no notes to share.


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

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"

 

FM #593 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 08/26/21  (audio)
FM #593 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 08/26/21  (audio)

Franklin.TV: Time for Ice Cream! 3

We Got Social – at a Distance. - by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/29/2021

Our Socially Distant Ice-cream Social took place at Davis Thayer on Wednesday.

Cathy Liberty on WCVB, Channel 5, talking about the importance of vaccination.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfprfm.
And, thank you for watching.


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   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dIzl-0zJSvdmERQVa9pTzEnytidP0N41/view?usp=sharing

Franklin.TV: Time for Ice Cream! 3
Franklin.TV: Time for Ice Cream! 3


Is the Group Fitness Instructor Opening at Timeless Crossfit a good fit for you?

"Timeless CrossFit and Fitness is looking for a passionate, hardworking Group Fitness Instructor to fill a part-time position. Timeless is a community of people who value health and fitness, and we are committed to helping our members reach their goals.

We have an immediate opening for a fitness professional who will build relationships with our members, who will embody our culture, and is passionate about changing lives, while having a blast doing it!"
For more details and to apply visit the web page here ->

Visit Timeless to see the programs they offer ->  https://www.timelesscrossfit.com/
 
Is the Group Fitness Instructor Opening at Timeless Crossfit a good fit for you?
Is the Group Fitness Instructor Opening at Timeless Crossfit a good fit for you?


Register O'Donnell Promotes Homestead Act

Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded Norfolk County homeowners about the importance of filing for Homestead protection. 

O'Donnell noted, "If you own a home, and it is your primary residence, one way to protect it is to file a Homestead. The Homestead law provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. This is especially important when you consider that for most of us, a home is our most valuable asset.  Consumers should take steps to protect that asset." 

Another feature of the Homestead law is the allowance for a filing of an Elderly Homestead application, which defines an elder as a person who is 62 years of age or older. This protection can be increased if the elderly couple are each 62 years of age or older and file jointly.

The Register further noted, "Back in March of 2011, the Homestead law was updated so that a valid Homestead cannot be terminated when refinancing a mortgage. Other changes that took place back in 2011 state that a Homestead can provide protections for a primary home even if it is kept in trust. The definition of a primary residence was also further expanded to include a manufactured or mobile home." 

While a Homestead provides important protections for homeowners, it is important to note there are certain debts that are exempted from protection under the Homestead Act. These include federal, state and local tax liens, as well as mortgages contracted for the purchase of a primary home and nursing home liens. Most other mortgages, debts, and encumbrances existing prior to the filing of the Declaration of Homestead, along with probate court executions for spousal and child support, are also not covered under the Homestead protection statute. 

Homestead documents are recorded at the Registry of Deeds for a state imposed fee of $36.00. Additional information about the Homestead law, and free applications are available by going to the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org.  

Register O'Donnell concluded, "I want to reiterate that a Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. While the debt is still owed, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that with a Homestead recorded at the Registry of Deeds, their primary residence cannot be forcibly sold to satisfy most debts. If you have any questions about a Homestead, please contact our Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30AM-4:30PM. Our trained staff are more than willing to answer any questions you may have."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at Facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

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 Homestead Act
Register O'Donnell Promotes Homestead Act


"poetry reminds me of those mysterious truths that can’t be reduced solely to linear thought"

"In this weary and vulnerable place, poetry whispers of truths that cannot be confined to mere rationality or experience. In a seemingly wrecked world, I’m drawn to Rainer Maria Rilke’s “Autumn” and recall that “there is One who holds this falling/Infinitely softly in His hands.” When the scriptures feel stale, James Weldon Johnson preaches through “The Prodigal Son” and I hear the old parable anew. On tired Sundays, I collapse into Wendell Berry’s Sabbath poems and find rest.

I’m not alone in my interest in this ancient art form. Poetry seems to be making a comeback. According to a 2018 survey by the National Endowment for the Arts, the number of adults who read poetry nearly doubled in five years, marking the highest number on record for the last 15 years. The poet Amanda Gorman stole the show at this year’s presidential inauguration, and her collection “The Hill We Climb” topped Amazon’s best-seller list.

There is not a simple or singular reason for this resurgence. But I think a particular gift of poetry for our moment is that good poems reclaim the power and grace of words."
Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required) 
I wake fearful
take a breath
realize
it is a
new day, we
can do this!

For more sherku and other verse I write visit https://www.quietpoet.com/


in our age of social media, words are often used as weapons. Poetry instead treats words with care
"in our age of social media, words are often used as weapons. Poetry instead treats words with care"


Edison Research: "streaming now accounts for 12% of AM/FM radio listening in the US"

"Edison Research’s Share of Ear® shows highest proportion ever of AM/FM Listening to streaming v. over-the-air

 The most recent Share of Ear® study from Edison Research finds that 12% of all AM/FM radio listening is via streaming, while 88% of listening is done to a traditional, over-the-air radio signal.

AM/FM radio content in the U.S. is now available through a variety of digital apps and devices, making radio listening possible on computers, smartphones, smart speakers, and through radio station websites, apps, and third party apps. Although streaming AM/FM content continues to see small amounts of incremental growth each year, and at 12% is the highest measure yet, the largest amount of listening goes to the over-the-air (OTA) signals from devices such as car radios and clock radios."


For more about Share of Ear®  
https://www.shareofear.com/

You can help increase the 12% by listening to Franklin Public Radio where ever you are on the internet at wfpr.fm

Edison Research’s Share of Ear® study is the only research that measures the entire world of audio, looking at platform of listening, time of day, device on which the audio was consumed, the kind of programming, and the location of listening
Edison Research’s Share of Ear® study is the only research that measures the entire world of audio, looking at platform of listening, time of day, device on which the audio was consumed, the kind of programming, and the location of listening

 

The Washington Post: "How the pandemic set back women’s progress in the global workforce"

"The first year of the pandemic knocked 54 million women around the world out of work, widening the gender gap in employment. It could take years for that gap to narrow again. 
Of the women who lost jobs in 2020, almost 90 percent exited the labor force completely, compared with around 70 percent of men. 
How did this happen? Country-level data offers clues. The Washington Post analyzed available data and focused on three countries that offered revealing case studies: Peru, Thailand and France."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required) 

Found via Twitter:  https://t.co/oElQCSG1wO

Huapaya worked during the early months of the pandemic at a restaurant, where she cut her hand on a bottle. She now works as a house cleaner twice a month and as a nanny for another family and sells meals on Sundays. (Daniela Rivera Antara for The Washington Post)
Huapaya worked during the early months of the pandemic at a restaurant, where she cut her hand on a bottle. She now works as a house cleaner twice a month and as a nanny for another family and sells meals on Sundays. (Daniela Rivera Antara for The Washington Post)