FREE Stop the Bleed Training - Dec 13, from 3 to 4 PM

The Town Of Franklin Health Department and Fire Department Present Stop The Bleed® Training

The person next to a bleeding victim may very well be the one who’s most likely to save him or her from bleeding to death. By learning how to Stop The Bleed®, you’ll gain the ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding once you learn three quick techniques.

Take the Stop The Bleed® training course and become empowered to make a life or death difference when a bleeding emergency happens.

Sign up online -> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-46154567-stop#/

Download the flyer as a reminder and/or to share ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/stop_the_bleed_dec_2023.pdf

FREE Stop the Bleed Training - Dec 13, from 3 to 4 PM

Please vote today, the polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM. This local election determines how Franklin's dollars are spent.

The Finance Committee will review the adjustments to the final FY 2024 budget to the town (including school funding) on Wednesday, Nov 8. The Town Council will meet Nov 15 to reorganize (determine Chair, Vice-Chair & Clerk) and vote on the final FY 2024 budget. Then on Nov 21, the Town Council in its first significant act for the new 2-year term will vote to set the tax rate. 

Your local priorities are set by the Town and School administration with oversight and approval by the Town Council and School Committee. Your vote determines who gets those seats.

Yes, we should have more candidates to choose from but that is something we as a community will need to work on for next time around (Nov 2025).

Aside from the local races, the ballot question to fund the Tri-County new school is up for vote. Will Franklin decide to fund it via a debt exclusion (30 years, approx. $2M/year) or will they force the Tri-County expense to come from the regular operating budget which would likely mean cuts across all the Town and School budgets.

** Sample ballot via Town Clerk page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/ballot_proof_11-7-2023.pdf

** Listen to Town Clerk Nancy Danello walk us through the Oct 24 Tri-County election (now completed) and the Town Biennial Election Tuesday, Nov 7, 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/franklin-town-clerk-nancy-danello-walks.html

** Other info shared during the election season is collected in one page ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/franklin-election-collection-2023.html

Candidates interviews for the Franklin (MA) Election - Nov 7, 2023 via Franklin TV & Radio

Town Council Segment - Migrant Housing Status - 11/1/23 (audio)

FM #1093 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1093 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Administrator’s Report segment from the Town Council Meeting of Nov 1, 2023. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides an update on the Migrant Housing status.  

The report segment runs about 9 minutes. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1093-town-administrators-report-migrant-housing-status-11-01-23

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

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Town Council agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/franklin-ma-agenda-for-town-council.html

Migrant Housing Portal -> https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/migrant-dashboard-portal 

Prior updates on the Migrant Housing Status

• Update from the Oct 18, 2023 meeting ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/town-council-segment-migrant-housing.html

• Update from the Oct 11, 2023 meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/town-administrators-report-migrant.html 

• Update from Sep 20 meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant_20.html 

• Update from Sep 6 meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant.html 

• Notification on migrant temporary housing ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/ma-notifies-franklin-of-plans-to-house.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 Segment - Migrant Housing Status - 11/1/23 (audio)

Town of Franklin: Board of Health Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 1, 2023 at 5:00 PM

BOARD OF HEALTH AGENDA

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - 5 PM 

The Board of Health will be conducting the Board of Health meeting at 355 East Central St, Conference Room, 3rd floor at 5:00 PM. The Public has the option of attending the meeting live at the Town Hall or dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by copying the link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required).

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

● Reading and acceptance October 4, 2023 draft meeting minutes

NEW BUSINESS

● CHNA - Grant

● Status on Emergency Shelter

● Local Upgrade Approval - 20 Earls Way

● Metacomet shared service grant regional inspector report

● Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report

● Metacomet shared service grant epidemiologist report

CITIZENS COMMENTARY

ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc includes remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_agenda_11.1.23_-_google_docs.pdf

Town of Franklin: Board of Health Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 1, 2023 at 5:00 PM

Franklin Health Dept: September is National Self-Care Month

September is National Self-Care Month! Regular self-care can increase our sense of well-being and prevent burnout. 

For tips click the link: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health 

Video link -> https://youtu.be/wr4N-SdekqY?si=7dM8jhMG4XpKKxAH

Restaurant Expo scheduled for Sep 27 at the Franklin Library

Join us on September 27, 2023 from 2 PM - 5 PM at the Franklin Public Library for the Franklin Restaurant Expo. 

The Franklin Restaurant Expo allows for food service/restaurant and hospitality industry professionals to connect with a variety of vendors in the region.

Exhibitors: have the opportunity to showcase their products. service, connect with potential customers, and expand their business reach all under one roof!

Attendees: Restaurant owners, chefs, managers and other change makers in the culinary and hospitality industry won't want to miss out on this FREE opportunity to unlock innovative solutions and top-quality ingredients, products, or services to optimize, improve or diversify their offerings.

There is no cost to vendors, however, exhibit space is limited. Vendors interested in participating may contact Cassia Monteiro via email at cmonteiro@metacometpha.org or by calling 508-613-1341 to reserve a table.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/events/436466

Restaurant Expo scheduled for Sep 27 at the Franklin Library

Town of Franklin, MA: Flu Clinic for adults (18+) - Sep 28 - Register Now!

Flu Clinic for adults (18+)

The Franklin Department of Health is hosting a free Flu Clinic for adults (18+) on 9/28/2023 from 12pm - 3pm at the Franklin Senior Center. 

Register here: https://t.co/YJaHO2MxJP

Shared from -> https://t.co/PiDTREuUoV

Board of Health has public hearing on tobacco regulation revisions, planning restaurant & health fairs- 09/06/23 (audio)

FM #1054 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1007 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Sep 67, 2023. Two board members participated; Harris, Cochrane (in person),  Chair Sweet (absent). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 

Quick Recap:

• Vice Chair Tim Chochrane opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve minutes of June, seconded, passes 2-0

• Public hearing opened for tobacco sales regulations. Brief update on the changes in this proposed revision. No public comments or questions. Hearing closed. The regulations will be brought for vote at the October meeting. (see agenda doc for copy of proposed regulations)

• Updates from the Regional Health Inspector, Nurse, & Epidemiologist. Copies of prior months reports in the meeting packet, although only the current month (August) was verbalized during the meeting. Shaw’s sushi situation is better. Planning is underway for a Restaurant Fair and a Health Fair both to be held at the library. The Restaurant Fair focused on providing info for the restaurants. The Health fair focused on providing info for the community.

• Meeting adjourned

The meeting runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Sep 6, 2023.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1054-town-of-franklin-board-of-health-mtg-09-06-23

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

The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_agenda_09-06.23_-_google_docs_1.pdf 

Meeting packet (including individual reports) -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/boh_agenda_and_packet_090623.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WllGgFdd4FrDPTNEujh6hOmH9RYCTcn-/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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"

Board of Health has public hearing on tobacco regulation revisions 09/06/23 (audio)

Franklin, MA: Board of Health Meeting - Sep 6 at 5 PM

BOARD OF HEALTH AGENDA

September 6, 2023

The Board of Health will be conducting the Board of Health meeting at 355 East Central St,

Training room, 3rd floor at 5:00pm. The Public has the option of attending the meeting live at the Town Hall or dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by copying the link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

● Reading and acceptance of June 7, 2023 draft meeting minutes

PUBLIC HEARING

● Tobacco Products and Smoking Regulation

NEW BUSINESS

● Impact Melanoma

● Food Summit

● Health Fair

● Metacomet shared service grant regional inspector report (June, July, August)

● Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report (June, July, August)

● Metacomet shared service grant epidemiologist report (June, July, August)

CITIZENS COMMENTARY

ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_agenda_09-06.23_-_google_docs.pdf

Note the FPS Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcmte meeting is also scheduled for the same date, time and room. Stay tuned, something for one of these meetings will likely change.

Franklin, MA: Board of Health Meeting - Sep 6 at 5 PM

Franklin Health Dept: Flu Clinic scheduled for the Senior Center Sep 28, 2023 at 12 PM

August is National Immunization Awareness Month! 

The Franklin Health Department is hosting a flu clinic at the Franklin Senior Center on September 28th, 2023 from 12 PM - 3 PM. 

Sign up for your flu shot today: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=2023-franklin-senior-centerflu-clinic

Franklin Health Dept: Flu Clinic scheduled for the Senior Center Sep 28, 2023 at 12 PM

What is the ONE question would you ask of each candidate for the Town of Franklin 2023 Election?

The candidates are in their final days to gather signatures for the November 2023 Biennial Town of Franklin Election. The nomination papers are due to the Town Clerk by September 6. 

It is now time for us (together) to prepare the set of interview questions. 

• Which one question would you ask of a Town Council candidate? School Committee candidate? etc...

Submit one question per elected position via the form below. 

Your email is required to avoid nefarious folks from interfering with this process. Your email will only be used (1) to verify the question if not completely understood, and (2) to ensure you get a copy of the final set of questions. 

Note: the question set would likely be similar to prior years. We would have 3-4 questions that would generally apply to all candidates and at least 1 (maybe 2) for specific positions. I want the question set short so we (the candidates and interviewers) can proceed efficiently, and concise to provide answers so Franklin voters can make an informed choice for each elected position.

Based upon feedback obtained after the last election, every effort will be made to provide interviews in all three formats (video, audio, and text transcript). The video interview would be recorded, audio extracted, and audio transcribed. This will require the coordination and willingness of the candidates to be available for this interview to be scheduled in time to turn it all around.

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

The current listing of candidates as of Thursday, August 24 can be found here ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/nom_in_out_november_7_2023_11.pdf

The question set used for the candidates in 2021 -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GkFh21gYukaMheQL-P4C0T_EEaItvcAu/view

Franklin Election Collection - 2023

MA notifies Franklin of plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel

Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, was notified this week that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has entered into a year lease with the Best Western Plus Executive Residency on Upper Union Street in Franklin to shelter incoming migrant families.  

 

“The Town, and its departments, will lead with compassion, support and assistance for families, as allowed by the state” Hellen said. “We are working with various Town departments to proactively organize a managed response and we will communicate more information as it becomes available.”

Massachusetts law requires cities and towns to find housing for migrants coming into the state under the right to shelter provision. No local approvals are required and, at this time, the Town does not have any specifics, such as how many migrants Franklin will host, where the migrants are coming from, and the composition of these individuals. 

The Town’s Public Health Director, Cathleen Liberty, will be coordinating these efforts in close collaboration with both the Healy Administration and the Town Administrator’s office.  As more information becomes available the Town will share it broadly and post it to the Health Department’s website at https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department.

More than 80 communities throughout Massachusetts are working with the state to support more than 20,000 homeless families in crisis. Once the Town becomes aware of the particulars and understands the needs associated with helping individuals and families coming to Franklin, we will notify the community for support.

“At this time we are asking the community not to send donations until the Town has a better understanding of the needs” said Liberty. “We anticipate there will be a need for aid and we will work closely with local human services organizations and the community in the coming weeks to lend a helping hand to those requiring assistance” 

“Franklin is a welcoming community, and I have no doubt we will do whatever we can to accommodate and accept migrants with open arms and an open heart,” said Hellen. “It is my understanding that the Commonwealth will be providing meals, public health services, and transitional assistance. With that said, there will still be ongoing impacts and costs associated with hosting these families for Franklin and the Town will work with the state to help alleviate these costs.”

The Town is advising the public to not visit the Best Western hotel as there are no families currently housed there and there are no services present. 

Copy of press release ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZrtRuZM0DyW9gbQ1K5GPRaKD2-1iMokO/view?usp=drive_link

MA notifies Franklin of plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel

plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel

Franklin Health Dept: National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day - Aug 21

August 21 is National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. Nearly 200 people die every day in the U.S. from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like illegally made fentanyl. 

To learn more browse the resources below:

Fentanyl Facts

Fentanyl Test Trips: A Harm Reduction Strategy

Lifesaving Naloxone

What You Should Know About Xylazine

Stop Overdose Website

Know The Signs and Get Help for Opioid Addiction 

 

Franklin Health Dept: National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day - Aug 21

Town of Franklin, MA: Registration is open for a FREE Hands Only CPR class Aug 16 - 4 PM

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Mon, Jul 31, 2023:

The Franklin Health Department & @FranklinMAFire are teaming up to offer a FREE Hands Only CPR class on 8/16/2023 at 4pm.  

Spots are limited! This class is for educational purposes only & participants will not receive a CPR certification.

Sign up here: https://t.co/06KR0inYZc

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1686084196287086592

Town of Franklin, MA: Registration open for a FREE Hands Only CPR class Aug 16 - 4 PM

Franklin Health Dept: Wellness Update on Group B Strep

July is Group B Strep Awareness Month. 

Group B Strep can be transmitted during birth. Babies may have long-term problems, such as deafness and developmental disabilities, due to having GBS disease. 

Get tested & take preventive measures. Learn more: cdc.gov/groupbstrep

Franklin Health Dept: Wellness Update on Group B Strep

 

Town of Franklin: July is UV Awareness Month

The sun is most intense at between 10am - 4pm. During this time make sure to wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), cover up, avoid tanning beds, and stay in the shade. Use extra caution near water, snow and sand. These three materials reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn. 

For more information: https://www.epa.gov/radtown/ultraviolet-uv-radiation-and-sun-exposure 

 

Town of Franklin: July is UV Awareness Month

Town of Franklin: Wellness Update - Men's Health Month

June is Men's Health Month! Men die an average of 5 years earlier than women. Many diseases that disproportionately impact men, like heart disease and cancer, are preventable through regular doctor's visits and healthy lifestyle choices. 

During Men's Health Month, men are encouraged to:

• Exercise
• Get screened
• Eat a healthy meal
• Get regular medical checkups
• Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Manage stress

Learn more: https://www.uhc.com/health-and-wellness/health-topics/mens-health

Town of Franklin: Wellness Update - Men's Health Month