Friday, October 1, 2021

Senator Becca Rausch: Fall Updates from Beacon Hill


Policymaking is in full swing in the Legislature, and because of your advocacy, we delivered some big public health victories!
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Senator Rausch State House Briefing  

Part 2, Chapter 9 (September 30, 2021) 

Dear friends,   

Fall is here, kids are back in school (fully masked!) and work on Beacon Hill is in full swing.  

Just this week, I passed legislation to provide paid time off for parents and caregivers taking their children to COVID vaccines. Parents keeping their families and communities safe and healthy should also be keeping their entire paychecks. The bill was signed into law yesterday. Earlier this month, the Senate passed the Healthy Youth Act, creating comprehensive and inclusive sex education; the Gender X Bill, creating nonbinary gender markers on state identification cards; and legislation to support student nutrition. 

Over the summer we passed the state budget for our current fiscal year (2022) and I'm proud to share several notable victories, including: a pilot program for a statewide youth mental health support text line, available 24/7/365; reproductive justice advancements, such as combating fake women's health centers and creating safe spaces for domestic violence survivors; and hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local projects and priorities in our district, such as direct anti-racism and equity and inclusion work, supporting seniors, helping children and families in needfire safety, and paving the way for long-term outdoor dining

Looking ahead, there's plenty on our plate! Next week we'll debate critical voting rights legislation, one of my long-time priorities. I'm hard at work on climate action through my own bills and as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA). Several of my bills on reproductive justice and immunization infrastructure have already moved through the first part of the legislative process. And of course, my team and I will continue doing everything in our power to help keep you, your families, and our communities safe as we continue living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about our COVID work below.  

For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me and my team via phone (617-722-1555) or email (becca.rausch@masenate.gov). We are here to help. Our COVID-19 resources are still available on my website. Remember to mask up indoors and keep your distance if you are not vaccinated or otherwise at higher risk. 

I wish you and your loved ones strength, health, resilience, and joy.  
  

Yours in service,  

 
Senator Becca Rausch   

 Office Hours 

 

Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here.    

My team and I host virtual office hours every month. Residents from any part of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with me and my team via video chat or phone call. Office hours are available to discuss any matter.   
    
Upcoming office hours:   

Friday, October 8, 10-11 AM
​Friday, November 5, 10-11 AM
​Friday, December 10, 10-11 AM


Our mailing address is:
The Office of Senator Becca Rausch
Massachusetts State House, Room 218
24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133                          

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full set of content follow this link ->  https://mailchi.mp/b83010e12e18/reopeningupdate-14814680?e=0c2c9810fe

Senate Overrides Governor’s Vetoes on FY22 Budget Provisions

Senate Overrides Governor's Vetoes on FY22 Budget Provisions

Senate supports vulnerable populations, a robust regional transit system, safe drinking water and long-term solutions for poverty and higher education affordability


Today, the Massachusetts State Senate took final action to override a series of gubernatorial vetoes on the state budget for fiscal year 2022. In restoring key provisions of the budget, the Senate will ensure that a greater portion of the Commonwealth's vulnerable populations receive vital support from the state, that long-term studies of poverty and higher education affordability are carried out, and that regional transit authorities are sufficiently funded to emerge from the global COVID-19 pandemic, along with other items.

"The Massachusetts Senate will never waiver in its commitment to people of the Commonwealth," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "By overturning these vetoes, we take one more step forward in our work to build a Commonwealth that is more inclusive, affordable and open to all – holding true to the spirit of the budget we passed earlier this year. I would like to thank Chair Rodrigues, the entire Ways and Means committee, and my colleagues in the Senate for carefully balancing and debating a budget which will take us 'back to better'."

"The votes we took today to override all of the Governor's vetoes helps to maintain the integrity and the spirit of the Fiscal Year 2022 budget conference committee agreement reached in July," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I want to thank the Senate President and my colleagues for taking these actions that are consistent with this Legislature's support for a forward-looking budget plan. Whether it's investing in regional transportation, helping individuals and families in need of assistance, supporting our retirees or modernizing our tax code, our collective actions today reinforced our support for a state budget that has left our Commonwealth in a much stronger fiscal position than before the COVID-19 pandemic."

Included in the FY22 budget are provisions which eliminate asset limits for two programs which offer support to the Commonwealth's most vulnerable populations: Emergency Assistance to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) and Transitional Assistance to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), which helps families with housing-related difficulties. Asset limits on these programs create arbitrary barriers to entry for families in need of assistance, preventing them from receiving money that they could spend on education, job training, reliable transportation, home expenses, and other emergency needs. Additionally, removing the asset limits protects families in poverty from being removed from these programs when they still need assistance and improves administrative efficiency by simplifying the application review process. The actions of the Senate today ensure that the asset limits for both eliminated.

The Senate also voted to restore to $94 million funding for Massachusetts' Regional Transit Authorities.

Final action was also taken to restore a revenue-positive pass-through entity excise tax which would generate $90 million for the state and save Massachusetts taxpayers up to $1.12 billion in federal taxes. 

Provisions voted on today also act to modernize the state's tax code. The FY22 budget included these provisions to remove certain tax credits which no longer serve their intended purpose, based on recommendations from a recent report by the Senate-championed Tax Expenditure Review Commission. These tax credits are claimed by only a few large companies and, according to the report, do not provide a measurable return on investment or identifiable benefit to the state

Items geared toward long-term solutions for fighting poverty and the rising cost of higher education also faced gubernatorial vetoes. Included in FY22 budget were a Special Commission on Poverty and a Higher Education Affordability Task Force. The Special Commission on Poverty will bring together advocates and experts to explore demographic disparities, analyze historical rates of poverty, identify the underlying causes of poverty in the Commonwealth, and survey existing state programs for their effectiveness, culminating in presenting policy recommendations.

Similarly, the Higher Education Affordability Task Force will bring together stakeholders from public and private institutions of higher learning, including community colleges, as well as members of the business community who have a vested interest in maintaining a well-educated and prepared workforce, to analyze rising college costs and propose solutions to the legislature.  By overriding the Governor's veto on these items, the Legislature will ensure these important commissions can commence their work.

Also restored, following vetoes by the Governor, were two provisions pertaining to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). One provision exempts DCR's Division of Water Supply Protection from restrictions or limitations on staffing levels and hiring, allowing the Division to adequately prepare for its role in protecting our drinking water. Another provision would require the DCR to obtain local approval prior to collecting parking fees in a local jurisdiction, affording municipalities the opportunity to offer input and collaborate on a parking plan with DCR that would be mutually beneficial.

Finally, the actions of the Senate would raise the cap on hours a retiree may work annually from 960 hours to 1,200 hours.

Having passed the House and Senate, the above provisions are now law.

 

Senate Overrides Governor’s Vetoes on FY22 Budget Provisions
Senate Overrides Governor’s Vetoes on FY22 Budget Provisions

Franklin Fire SAFE Program reminds us that October is fire safety month

Franklin Fire SAFE Program reminds us that October is fire safety month
Franklin Fire SAFE Program reminds us that October is fire safety month
"Hi everyone, tomorrow is October first. Also known as the beginning of Fire Safety month. This is Sparky's favorite time of year. 
Please like, and follow us as we will have different fire safety topics throughout the month of October! 
Be SAFE Sparky"

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/xHE7p4CYJO

Follow Franklin Fire Safe on Twitter at ->   https://twitter.com/FranklinSafe





“It’s going to get worse again before it gets better”

"The commercial pipeline that each year brings $1 trillion worth of toys, clothing, electronics and furniture from Asia to the United States is clogged and no one knows how to unclog it.

This month, the median cost of shipping a standard rectangular metal container from China to the West Coast of the United States hit a record $20,586, almost twice what it cost in July, which was twice what it cost in January, according to the Freightos index. Essential freight-handling equipment too often is not where it’s needed, and when it is, there aren’t enough truckers or warehouse workers to operate it.

As Americans fume, supply headaches that were viewed as temporary when the coronavirus pandemic began now are expected to last through 2022.

Dozens of cargo vessels stuck at anchor off the California coast illustrate the delivery disruptions that have become the signature feature of the recovery, fueling inflation, sapping growth and calling into question the global economic model that has prevailed for three decades."
Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

“It’s going to get worse again before it gets better”
“It’s going to get worse again before it gets better”



Thursday, September 30, 2021

Franklin Library: October 2021 Library News & Events

October 2021 Library News & Events

Library Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, October 11 for Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day. The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:30-5:00 p.m.

Book Sale

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, October 22, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, October 23, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, October 23, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Wi-Fi Hotspots

The Franklin Public Library has received five hotspots from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners through the American Rescue Plan.  The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has distributed over 3000 hotspots to approximately 220 public libraries for loan to library users. Funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the hotspot lending program focuses on IMLS' primary goal for these funds, digital inclusion.

Any resident from a municipality certified in the State Aid to Public Libraries program by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is eligible to borrow a hotspot.  Patron registration in the library system may be required. Hotspot borrowers must be 17 years old and in good standing with the library. Only one hotspot is allowed per household.  Each hotspot will support up to 10 connected devices.

Hotspots may be borrowed for one week. Renewals are not permitted.  Hotspots must be returned to the library and may not be checked out again for at least a 24-hour period. Hotspot borrowers will be fined $1 per day, up to $10 . Loss of a hotspot will incur a  $35 fee. Borrowers will adhere to the library's internet acceptable use policy when using the mobile hotspot.  While checked out, the hotspot remains the responsibility of the borrower. Borrowers should not lose control of the device by lending to friends or associates. Any attempt to alter the configuration of the hotspot is strictly prohibited and may result in loss of borrowing privileges.

Hotspots may be reserved --just like a book-- through the library catalog https://find.minlib.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb3628341 , or by calling the library service desk at 508-520-4941 during normal business hours. Hotspots are filtered by default using T-Mobile's content filtering for education. Borrowers may request that hotspot filtering be disabled when borrowing a device.  The library will not ask for a stated reason. Hotspots should be returned to a library service desk.  Do NOT place the hotspot in the book drop. Hotspots should be returned with the power cord, SIM card, battery and case to the Library in the same good working condition as it was when it was checked out. If the hotspot is not returned within 7 days after the due date, service will be turned off and the hotspot will become unusable.

If the hotspot is damaged or not working, return it to the library desk. Report the nature of the damage to a staff person. Problems? Direct borrower technical support is provided by T-Mobile to library hotspot borrowers at: (844) 341-4834.

Homework Help Program

The Franklin Public Library is looking to restart its after school Homework Help program. The program will run Monday through Thursday, 3:00-5:00 p.m., and will be for first through twelfth grade. If you are a retired teacher and are interested in volunteering, please contact Library Director Felicia Oti at foti@minlib.net or 508-520-4941.

Room Reservations

The Friends of the Franklin Library Room, the Meeting Room, the Study Room and Conference Room are now able to be reserved by the public. Please visit https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/reserve-room to check for availability and view the Town of Franklin's Municipal Facility Use policy. Room usage is limited to two hours per day. For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net .

New Materials

Check out the list of new books, movies, music, and more added to the Library's catalog in the past month! https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/new-materials

Featured Database

The Library offers many databases, all free to use with your library card! This month, we are featuring O'Reilly for Public Libraries. This database includes includes more than 43,000 books and 30,000 hours of video in areas such as information technology and software; business; digital media; professional and personal development; and desktop and web applications. Serving the needs of patrons who are working to advance their careers, tune into business and technology trends, or explore new software, this collection—created and curated by O'Reilly—serves the business and technology needs of a wide range of users. Included are hundreds of books and videos for makers, gamers and tinkerers; more than 100 hobbyist titles including STEAM Lab for Kids and The Lego Build-It Book, Volumes 1 & 2; more than 900 books from the "For Dummies" series; and more than 150 titles on job-seeking and career development.

 

Programs for Children and Teens

Weekly Events for Families!

Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM

This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Idea Club! Mondays @4:00PM

Join us for a weekly storytime celebration of all the ways we are different and wonderful! We'll read, sing, play and learn about our diverse world and talk about how we can make it kinder and more inclusive!

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids! Mondays, 4:00-6:00PM (7+)

Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 10 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up!

Animation Nation Anime Club! Mondays, 6:00-7:30PM (7+)

Your weekly dose of anime goodness at The Franklin Public Library! Come watch the latest releases and popular anime shows, ideal for ages 7+!

Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30AM

Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time!

Get Ready for Kindergarten! Tuesdays @10:30AM  (3–5)

This 45 minute program featuring stories, songs, activities, and crafts will help prepare your children for preschool and kindergarten.  Parents and caregivers can attend with their child if they wish.  No registration required!

Toe-Tapping Tuesdays! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM

Let's play some music and get those little toes moving! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence.

Girls Who Code! Tuesdays, Grade 3-5 @ 4:00PM

This club is a great introduction to coding languages and concepts while building the community and group work skills needed to excel! Whether you want to try something new, build on skills, make friends, or help someone else grow... Welcome to our club!

Terrific Toddlers! Wednesdays @10:30AM  (18 mos–3yrs)

Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities for families and children from birth to age 3. No registration required!

Chess Club for Kids! Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:00PM (8-13)

A fun and educational program for kids? What more could you ask for? Whether you are new to the game or are a more seasoned player, we invite all kids ages 8-13 to join us!

Tummy Time! Thursdays @ 9:30AM

Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby's development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby's comfort!

Story and Craft, Thursdays @10:30AM (3+)

Join us for 30 minutes of themed stories, songs, and movement followed by 30 minutes of craft and sensory play. For children ages 3 and up that can attend on their own. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to watch from the adjoining room.

Bookworm Bounce! Thursdays @ 4:00PM

Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Doggie Tales! 1st Thursday of the Month (Sept 2) @4:30 PM (1st grade +)

Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Email bcomeau@minlib.net to sign up!

Baby-Wearing Dance Party! Alternating Fridays @9:00AM (September 10 & September 24)

Strap your little one in and join us for music and movement together! Bond with your baby in a fun, active way for this half-hour program!

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @10:30AM (3-5) (September 3 & September 17)

Let's play some music and get those little toes moving! Join us for an introductory class into creative movement using very basic ballet moves. We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected!

Moving Machines! Alternating Fridays @10:30AM (0-5) (October 8 & October 22)

This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities with a mechanical theme! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required!

Special Events for Kids & Families

Saturday Morning Cartoons! Saturday Oct. 2nd 11:00 AM

Grab some cereal and chill out with some classic cartoons! Pjs encouraged! Want to help choose this month's shows? Look for the poll on The Children's Room on the Website!

Fall Crafts on the Library Lawn! Saturday October 2nd, 2:00-4:00PM

Celebrate Fall in Franklin and the Harvest Festival with some FREE kid-friendly crafts on the library lawn!

Make with Miss Mitzi, Saturday October 2nd @1:00PM

Calling ALL Makers! Miss Mitzi is on a mission to make a new crazy craft project every month! All ages welcome! Email mgousie@minlib.net or register on the calendar to sign up!

Gamer's Haven! Once a Month! 4:00-5:00PM (7+) (Oct 8)

Monthly meeting of the local Gaming collective to make friends, talk games, and most importantly PLAY games.

Fortnite Free 4 All! ONLINE Friday, October 8th, 4:00-6:00PM

Fortnite Tournaments have been taken to the next level! See how you measure up against other local battle royale competitors in this FREE Private Custom Matchmaking Tournament, courtesy of One Up Games, Franklin Public Library and Epic Games! Email mgousie@minlib.net to get involved!

Book Baddies Scavenger Hunt! October 15th -17th

Some of the baddest baddies have escaped their books! Help us search the Children's and Teen Rooms to get all the baddies back where they belong!

Baby Sensory! Third Saturday of the Month @9:30AM (October 16th)

Join us for a 45 minute baby sensory program! Watch your little one interact and engage with a variety of sensory items! Sensory play is a fantastic way to help babies explore their worlds, stimulate the senses, and create little inquisitive explorers! Babies under 2 are welcome and encouraged! (Got older siblings? They can bring along a stuffed toy or baby and play along!)

Aprende Spanish Storytime! Saturday October 16th  @11:00AM

Vamos Amigos! Join our friends from Aprende Spanish Immersion for a special bilingual storytime for kids!

Elijah T. Grasshopper and Friends! Saturday October 23rd @ 11:00AM

Join Elijah T. Grasshopper, Emma "Go-Go Green" Bean, their puppet pals and special guest: the Orange Farmer for some super-duper interactive kids' music and a hopping good time!

Trunk or Treat! In the Library Parking Lot! Saturday October 30 @ 10:30AM

Families! Dress up and join us in the library parking lot for a safe, little-kid friendly afternoon of trick-or-treating in the daylight! The parking lot will be full of decorated trunks and activities!!  

** Rain date October 31st **

Story Tellers Guild! Once a Month! 2:00-3:00 PM (7+) (Oct 30) *Special October time*

A club for writers! Each month we meet to grow as story tellers through prompts, discussion, and sharing our creativity! Ideal for grades 3+

After Hours Among Us Saturday October 30th @4:00PM

Join One Up Games for a fun and spooktacular evening of Among Us at the Franklin Public Library!  At this Halloween themed event, players will be able to use their detective skills as they try to figure out who the imposter is. They will take part in emergency meetings and discuss who is "Sus" and together try to vote the imposter off the ship!  There will be multiple rounds and a point scoring system for survivors and imposters. Register on the Website Calendar or by emailing mgousie@minlib.net!

Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens

Animation Nation Anime Club! Mondays, 6:00-7:30PM (7+)

Your weekly dose of anime goodness at The Franklin Public Library! Come watch the latest releases and popular anime shows, ideal for ages 7+!

Girls Who Code! Tuesdays, 6th-12th Grade 6:00-7:00PM

A great introduction to coding languages and concepts while building the community and group work skills needed to excel! Whether you want to try something new, build on skills, make friends, or help someone else grow... Welcome to our club! Focus: Scratch, Python, JavaScript, and more.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Please email mgousie@minlib.net to join!

Teen Book Bites! Weekly on Wednesdays, 5:30-PM

Teens! Bring along a snack and join us in the teen room each Wednesday for a casual chat about what we're all reading!

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30PM

Join us each month for Teen Advisory Board! The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, from books and beyond, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours! It's a win-win-win!

VolunTeens! 2nd & 4th Thursday of the Month, 6:00-7:00PM (6th-12th Grade)

An elite volunteering program for dedicated library volunteers, this program is designed to facilitate unique volunteer opportunities for committed teens to work on special library projects. You will learn all about event planning and execution, hone your creative and crafty skills, and build your resume!

For more information please contact Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net.

BOOKTOK YA Book Club! 3rd Wednesday of the Month, 6:30-7:30PM (8th-12 Grade)

Join us each month for snacks and refreshments as we discuss a different YA book each month, recommended by TikTok book lovers! Since we will be discussing YA titles, this group is recommended for students in Grades 8 and up, however anyone age 12 and up is welcome at their own (and their parents) discretion.

Resistance: a WWII Book Club for Teens, 3rd Thursday of the Month, 6:30PM

Whether it's your first time reading these titles, or they're old favorites, join us each month as we discuss a different WWII-based book. Snacks and refreshments will be provided! October's read: "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein!

Gamer's Haven! Once a Month! 4:00-5:00 PM (Oct 8)

Monthly meeting of the local Gaming collective to make friends, talk games, and most importantly PLAY games.

Story Tellers Guild! Once a Month! 2:00-3:00 PM (7+) (Oct 30) *Special October time*

A club for writers! Each month we meet to grow as story tellers through prompts, discussion, and sharing our creativity! Ideal for grades 3+

Special Events for Teens

Make with Miss Mitzi, Saturday October 2nd @1:00PM

Calling ALL Makers! Miss Mitzi is on a mission to make a new crazy craft project every month! All ages welcome! Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up!

Saturday Morning Cartoons! Saturday Oct. 2nd 11:00 AM

Grab some cereal and chill out with some classic cartoons! Pjs encouraged! Want to help choose this month's shows? Look for the poll on The Teen Scape on the Website!

Stand Out for College Virtual Seminar! Tuesday Oct 5th or Wednesday Oct 20th @7:00PM on Zoom

Calling All High School students and their Parents! Join us as we welcome Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, from Stand Out For College, LLC. as they help YOU understand how COVID-19 has changed the college admissions landscape and how it will affect Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen. You will learn how admissions officers are handling the current situation and how students can position themselves to develop a compelling narrative to increase their chances for college admission. To register for this event email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net

Fortnite Free 4 All! ONLINE Friday October 8th , 4:00-6:00PM

Fortnite Tournaments have been taken to the next level! See how you measure up against other local battle royale competitors in this FREE Private Custom Matchmaking Tournament, courtesy of One Up Games, Franklin Public Library and Epic Games! Email mgousie@minlib.net to get involved!

Teen Disney Trivia! Wednesday September 22nd @6:30PM

How big of a Disney fan are you? Bring your team and come test your knowledge of all things Disney, with snacks and prizes!

Teen BAD Horror Movie Night! Friday October 22nd 4:00 PM

Join us for a night of chills, thrills, and laughs??? As we enjoy horror movies so bad it's SCARY!!! Costumes encouraged, popcorn and candy provided! Want to help pick the movie? Look for the Poll on the Teen Scape on the website!

After Hours Among Us Saturday October 30th @4:00PM

Join One Up Games for a fun and spooktacular evening of Among Us at the Franklin Public Library!  At this Halloween themed event, players will be able to use their detective skills as they try to figure out who the imposter is. They will take part in emergency meetings and discuss who is "Sus" and together try to vote the imposter off the ship!  There will be multiple rounds and a point scoring system for survivors and imposters. Register on the website calendar or by emailing mgousie@minlib.net!

Events for Adults

Sustainable Landscaping with Melanie Trecek-King, Tuesday, October 5, 7:00 p.m.
Many of us spend our valuable time and money trying to attain the perfect lawn. But why? And is there an alternative? Trecek-King will share ways to garden with a lighter environmental footprint and transform your yard into a space that your family (and nature!) can enjoy. Join Trecek-King as she helps us to better understand the effects of our presence on nature and how we can improve our lawn, garden, and more in an environmentally conscious way without breaking the bank. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the conclusion of the program.

Dolley Madison and the War of 1812, Tuesday, October 14, 7:00 p.m.
The men thought she was embroidering–but Mrs. Madison was listening- capturing every word she heard- as her President husband and his advisers discussed the War-related strategies, consequences and predictions! Marvel at the miscalculations, missteps and heroics related to this war such as generals without military experience, botched battles and Washington City in flames! But the fair and patriotic Mrs. Madison also addresses Commodore Oliver Perry's high-seas heroism, the battle that spawned our National Anthem and the way a wooden battleship came to be nicknamed Old Ironsides! Being adverse to historical fiction, Mrs. Madison will lead her audience on a journey packed with historically accurate drama, intrigue, and true, but unbelievable, tales that characterize the 2nd time our tiny country stood up to stare down the British empire. Janet Parnes, founder of Historical Portrayals by Lady J, will portray Mrs. Madison. This program is free and open to the public.

Paint Party for Adults, Saturday, October 16, 3:00 p.m.
Local artist Denise Palmieri will lead the class to paint a fun fall themed work of art. The class is limited to twenty adults. To register, please visit http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2021/... or call Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at 508-520-4941.

Stefano: The True Story of Shakespeare's Shipwreck, Wednesday, October 20, 6:30 p.m.
American public media series Hit and Run History presents their adventure-travel documentary on Mayflower pilgrim Stephen Hopkins, Stephano: The True Story of Shakespeare's Shipwreck.

The one-hour film follows the story of the only Mayflower passenger who had been to North American previously. A decade earlier, Hopkins had been aboard a Jamestown-bound ship that wrecked on Bermuda, inspiring Shakespeare's final play, The Tempest.

Shot on location, the intrepid Hit and Run History crew retraces Hopkins' life crisscrossing the Atlantic just as England made its first steps as a colonial power. Hampshire, Bermuda, Jamestown, Plymouth and London, Hopkins' came to know Native Americans in New World and Old. Pocahontas, Squanto and Massasoit – experience that would serve him and the Separatists aboard the Mayflower in establishing their fledgling settlement in New England.

Two-time Emmy-nominated producer and host Andrew Giles Buckley, a Hopkins descendant, grew up hearing stories that New Plymouth's iconoclast tavern keeper may have the model of The Tempest's drunken and mutinous Stephano. In their Gumshoe Historian style, Buckley and crew of Hit and Run History seek out the reality of a man who was everywhere at the founding of America.

The film was first broadcast on Rhode Island PBS in 2020 and has a screenings schedule starting February at the Pilgrim Hall Museum, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, and currently a dozen other locations in Massachusetts. Following the broadcast in New England, it will be available to run on other public media stations across the country.

The screening of the film will feature an introduction by producer Andrew Buckley, followed by a question and answer session. This program is free and open to the public.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, October 26, 7:00 p.m.

The book for discussion is Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice.

For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net . Book Club meetings are now taking place in-person at the Library.

Genealogy Club, Thursday, October 28, 6:30 p.m.

The Genealogy Club of the Franklin Public Library is a monthly program for genealogy enthusiasts, beginner and experienced alike. Each month a professional speaker will present the group with a lecture on a wide variety of family history and genealogy topics.  This program is free and open to all who are interested.  Meetings are scheduled for the last Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.  There are no meetings scheduled in November, December, July or August.

Knitting Group, Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room on Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Shared from https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/october-2021-library-news-events

Franklin Library: October 2021 Library News & Events
Franklin Library: October 2021 Library News & Events


FM #616 - Town Council Candidate Alan Earls - 09/27/21 (audio)

FM #616 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 616 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with candidate for Town Council Alan Earls. 


This is one of a series of conversations with candidates for the Franklin Election on Nov 2, 2021. I do this to provide Franklin, MA voters with accurate and timely information that they can use to cast an informed vote.  Publication of the answers or interview responses does not constitute an endorsement of this or any candidate.


We cover the candidate questions as previously developed with the community and shared with the candidates. Five of the questions are ‘general’ in nature, the sixth is specific to the role of the candidate. In this case, for the Town Council.


Our conversation runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen to my interview with Alan Earls. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3bdebcf9-0368-41ad-921b-76fd4332108e


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


Candidate questions -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/election-2021-candidate-interview.html 


Facebook page ->  https://www.facebook.com/Alan-Earls-for-Town-Council-100156761900851 


Web page -> https://www.alanearls.com/


Franklin Observer -> https://franklinobserver.town.news/ 


Election Collection 2021 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.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"

 

Town Council Candidate Alan Earls
Town Council Candidate Alan Earls 

FHS field hockey, golf, and volleyball teams post wins on Wednesday

Via @HockomockSports  we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Wednesday, Sep 29, 2021   
 
Field Hockey = Franklin, 6 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final 
– Franklin found the back of the cage three times in each half to pick up a win on the road in Foxboro. The Panthers built a 2-0 lead in the first quarter with goals from Raena Crandall and Shaw Downing (from Crandall), and extended the advantage to 3-0 on a goal from Kaitlyn Carney (from Ella Mahoney) midway through the second quarter. Payten Crandall, Haley Wernig, and Downing all scored goals in the second half.

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final 
– Franklin rolled to its seventh win of the season, this time in the form a 3-0 sweep (25-15, 25-20, 25-6) win on the road at Foxboro. The Panthers, which have only dropped one set all year, were led by Lindsey Tarantola, who had 10 kills and three blocks in the win.

Golf = Milford, 175 @ Franklin, 165 – Final 
– Junior Jack Hagerty birded on the seventh hole to help earn medalist honors and help the Panthers take care of Milford at Franklin Country Club. Hagerty finished with a low-round of 39 while sophomores CJ Steel and Brendan Collins, along with freshman Ben Paterson, all came in at 42. Nate Lawrence led Milford with a round of 40.



FHS field hockey, golf, and volleyball teams post wins on Wednesday
FHS field hockey, golf, and volleyball teams post wins on Wednesday

The Coaches Corner - "Win vs Duxbury"

FHS football Coach Ian Bain talks with Kevin Papa about the football game last week at Duxbury.
"The Coaches Corner... Live from CC studios  
@glenpharmer ..Duxbury Win !!  @Coach_Bain @Coach_Angelo @fhs_gridiron @FHSFAN @FranklinMatters @danorlovsky7 @BostonHeraldHS @tommycassell44 @HockomockSports"




Franklin Bellingham SNETT announces a group walk - Oct 16

Our calendar has been updated. Check out all the events planned. Group hike and community table at the @franklinfarmersmarketma are just a few.

Stay tuned for more info on a new story walk too. Link to event page ->  
https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/events/

Franklin Bellingham SNETT announces a group walk - Oct 16
Franklin Bellingham SNETT announces a group walk - Oct 16


Veterans Coffee Social - Oct 6

October Coffee Social

Join us Wednesday, October 6 at 10:00 a.m. 

VETERANS COFFEE SOCIAL  
Wednesday ▪ October 6 ▪ 10:00 A.M.  
FRANKLIN SENIOR CENTER CAFÉ 
 
WELCOME OUR NEW VETERANS' SERVICES OFFICER 
ARMY VETERAN - SHANNON NISBETT 
AND  
FRANKLIN BOARD OF HEALTH DIRECTOR CATHLEEN LIBERTY 
WILL PROVIDE COVID-19 UPDATES 
ALL VETS ARE INVITED! 
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED BY OUR FRIENDS AT STARBUCKS! 
Per Town policy, please bring proof of vaccination to the Social
 


Veterans Coffee Social - Oct 6
Veterans Coffee Social - Oct 6


Franklin Downtown Partnership shares music performance schedule for Harvest Festival - Oct 2

"You'll find great entertainment at the Harvest Festival on Oct. 2 in downtown Franklin,  12 -  5 PM.
Ben Gardner's Boat  - noon to 2:15
The Driftwoods - 2:45 to 5
Jamie Barrett - 2:30 to 3:30
Before 2:30  & after 3:30, performances by FPAC and FSPA students
.

#fdp
#harvestfestival 
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinDowntwn/status/1443347363762946052?s=03

Franklin Downtown Partnership shares music performance schedule for Harvest Festival - Oct 2
Franklin Downtown Partnership shares music performance schedule for Harvest Festival - Oct 2


COVID Testing Site to open at Ashland Commuter Rail Station

 

Massachusetts Senate

COVID Testing Site to open at Ashland Commuter Rail Station

Following an increase in demand for COVID-19 testing in Massachusetts, an additional testing site will begin operations in Ashland, Massachusetts at the town's Commuter Rail Station. The new testing site, a priority of Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka and State Representative Jack Patrick Lewis, will offer Massachusetts residents an additional option for testing at no cost to recipients.

The new site will be funded by the Commonwealth and will be operated by Fallon Health in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and local health officials. It will add to the Commonwealth's network of hundreds of COVID-19 testing sites across Massachusetts. Residents can find a testing site near them online at www.mass.gov/gettested.

"To support communities' sustained recovery from the pandemic, we need to ensure that residents have continued access to the tools at the center of our pandemic strategy– among them, testing and vaccines," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka. "I want to extend my deep thanks to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and MBTA workers for allowing us to use their space to promote public health."

While other COVID-19 testing sites are currently available in the MetroWest region, the new Ashland site will be the first to offer drive-through testing in the region.

"After hearing from numerous residents of Ashland and Framingham about the lack of accessible drive-thru testing in our region, I reached out to Senate President Karen Spilka and the Department of Public Health in order to partner together in developing a new testing location," said Representative Jack Patrick Lewis. "I am grateful to Ashland Town Manager Michael Herbert, Ashland Sargeant Ed Burman, and the team at the MBTA for their quick and creative efforts to make this possible."

"Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in COVID-19 testing, which will continue to be a critical tool to keeping the virus in check even as we lead the nation in vaccinations," said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. "We are pleased to work with local partners to launch this new site, which will provide residents with another free and easy option to get tested."

""We are happy to partner with our state agencies and delegation to bring this important testing site to the region, and we hope the new location provides a convenient testing alternative for those who rely on public transportation"," said Ashland Town Manager Michael Herbert.

Fallon Health, the site's operator, has previously partnered with the state of Massachusetts to provide testing and other health services.

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

FM #614 - Planning Board Candidate Jennifer Williams - 09/22/21 (audio)

FM #614 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 614 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with candidate for Planning Board Jennifer Williams.  


This is one of a series of conversations with candidates for the Franklin Election on Nov 2, 2021. I do this to provide Franklin, MA voters with accurate and timely information that they can use to cast an informed vote.  Publication of the answers or interview responses does not constitute an endorsement of this or any candidate.


We cover the candidate questions as previously developed with the community and shared with the candidates. Five of the questions are ‘general’ in nature, the sixth is specific to the role of the candidate. In this case, for the Planning Board.


Our conversation runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen to my interview with Jennifer Williams. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c7452164-ff42-4192-908c-bd6ad1fd2b44



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


Candidate questions -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/election-2021-candidate-interview.html 


Candidate page ->  https://sites.google.com/view/jenniferwilliamsforfranklin

Facebook page -> https://www.facebook.com/JenniferWilliamsforFranklin 


Election Collection 2021 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.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"

 

Planning Board Candidate Jennifer Williams
Planning Board Candidate Jennifer Williams