Tuhina Pal talks about her book: "They. Didn't. Know." (audio)

FM #1449 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1449 in the series. 

Tuhina Pal talks about her book: 
"They. Didn't. Know." (audio)

This session shares my conversation with Franklin High School junior Tuhina Pal. Tuhina recently published a book of poems she wrote on her journey to recovery. We recorded this conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. 

We cover the following in our conversation

• How normal anxiety worsened during the pandemic

• How she recognized that, got help and has been on the recovery journey

• How recovery is not a linear journey

• Poetry was a vehicle for her to work through her issues

The recording runs about 36 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1449-tuhina-pal-they-didnt-know-04-23-25/

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

FHS Active Minds Club announcement of book -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH_IsYluNwM/ 

Follow Tuhina’s Instagram account for updates -> https://www.instagram.com/tuhinapal.poetry/ 

The book is available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Bookshop.org  -> 

https://bookshop.org/p/books/they-didn-t-know/b519f506fefb8083?ean=9798218477141&next=t 

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

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 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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 gets update on successful coat drive & more in regular meeting (audio)

FM #1349 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1349 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet and with no location shown, it was assumed to be virtual. However, the 2 members of the Board (Harris, Mu-Chow) (1 absent - Sweet) and Health Dept members apparently were present together. 

Quick Recap:

• Discussion on new oversight board and appointment of Director Liberty as representative. Motion made and approved 2-0

• Coat drive update: successful, collected over 600 new/used costs, distribution of 325 or so to families, some of the left over coats went to a church in Milford. Total among the distribution and collections, approx. 1,000 coats, etc. delivered to families who wanted them.

• 427 Oakland Park update, coordinated with Attny General; owners did start work with a contractor on the roof, letter/ notification of process is underway

• 147 Pleasant St septic exemption requested, relatively minor recommended, so moved, passes 2-0

• Health agent report, training done. Discussion on suspected food poisoning, investigation of incident from a confirmed case, hard to confirm exact cause/location. FDA had notifications recently on cucumbers for example. COVID tests still available via Health nurse at Senior Center, call to arrange pickup. Flu season; 33 current cases (folks actually getting tested)

• Monitoring continues on other cases that arise. Surge in cases due to home and holiday gatherings; Noro virus reports up Training for the school nurses conducted on communicable diseases, hands only CPR last month, participating in the Student Wellness committee, participated in Winter Wonderland at Senior Center

• No citizen comments

Motion to adjourn, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)

The meeting runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Jan 8, 2025. Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1349-tof-board-of-health-mtg-01-08-25/

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

The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/1-8-25_boh_agenda.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TLS4pouWCegoJ-PmqjCPItM3p_WbYgLF/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 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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 gets update on successful coat drive amongst other items (audio)

Board of Health gets update on housing condemnation in process, monthly report in short session (audio)

FM #1332 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1332 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet and with no location shown, it was assumed to be virtual. However, the 2 members of the Board (1 absent, Sweet) and Health Dept members were present together. 

Quick Recap:

• The meeting audio quality improves considerably after the first minute

• Meeting schedule for 2025, motion to approve, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)

• Oakland Pkwy condemnation discussion, unsanitary conditions, hole in roof, no working bathrooms, etc. House was placarded, owner/occupants refused to leave, multiple agencies worked with them to get them elsewhere. Fire occurred on 2nd floor, insurance provided a trailer. One permit was pulled but work has not yet been started or completed. Been over a year without movement by owner, visit being scheduled, could take track with the Attorney General's office to get movement to get a resolution. Will provide additional info next time. Hard situation as there has been lack of compliance in this case. Insurance money not being used for repairs.

• Moving on to Kerri, health agent covers report, (hard to hear via bridge) 6 re-inspections today.

• Alecia, health nurse report, only 10 COVID cases, test kits Available at Senior Center, is flu season but only 5 confirmed cases thus far. Food recalls, cucumbers (Sunset brand), Central Park terrace food pantry monthly, clinics, classes, etc. food board illness training for Tri-County; webinar and trainings continued.

• No citizen comments

Motion to adjourn, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)

The meeting runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Dec 4, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1332-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-12-04-24/

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

The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/december_4_2024_agenda.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mTuCZJasT2c3Ys4bAzwnGNiAwP-osNLS/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 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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 gets update on housing condemnation in process, monthly report in short session (audio)

Free COVID-19 Test Kits - Contact the Senior Center to arrange pick-up

The Franklin Senior Center has received more COVID-19 test kits. Please call to coordinate pick-up at the Franklin Senior Center!

Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday from 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Call us: 508-615-1341

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/free-covid-19-test-kits-0

Free COVID-19 Test Kits - Contact the Senior Center to arrange pick-up

How to order free COVID test kits from the federal government and avoid the scammers

How to order free COVID test kits from the federal government and avoid the scammers By Eunice Kim The federal government is once again offering free COVID test kits.  When it opens in September (ed. it is open now), you can order up to four kits per household at COVIDTests.gov. All for free. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/10/how-order-free-covid-test-kits-federal-government-and-avoid-scammers? How to order free COVID test kits from the federal government and avoid the scammers

Free COVID-19 Test Kits!

Make  sure to grab some free COVID-19 Test Kits!

Please call the Franklin Senior Center to coordinate pick-up. Call 508-613-1341

Free COVID-19 Test Kits!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/free-covid-19-test-kits

Consider donating a blood sample for COVID research and earn some money

COVID research

Via MRN Diagnostics: 

Read all about our COVID-19 research collection and others like it at www.mrndx.com/clinicalollections to see how you may qualify.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C74i73Zq77p/

We talked with MRN Diagnostics CEO Dr. Greg Chiklis in October 2023 about the work his company (based here in Franklin) does. You can listen here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/take-part-in-mrn-clinical-trial-to.html

Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours

Free COVID test kits are back: Here's how to get yours By Colleen Tressler, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education Starting November 20, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/free-covid-test-kits-are-back-heres-how-get-yours

Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours

Vaccines and what they do "reduce your risk of hospitalization and death"

"Rick from Maryland is among the many readers who expressed bewilderment about becoming infected despite vaccination. “My wife and I are both in our 80s with diabetes," he wrote. "We got the new vaccine as soon as it became available. Not even two weeks later, we both tested positive. We are fine other than for a stuffy nose, but we are wondering what happened. Some of our family members are against vaccines, and they are using our experience to explain why they are not getting vaccinated.”

Rick brings up an important point: We need to be clear about what the coronavirus vaccines do and what they don’t. As with every medical intervention, health-care providers must set expectations so that people don’t view anticipated outcomes — in this case, testing positive — as failures.

The most important reason to stay up-to-date on coronavirus vaccines (and the flu vaccine and RSV vaccine, for that matter) is to reduce your risk of hospitalization and death. On this front, the coronavirus vaccine has delivered consistently strong results. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the bivalent vaccine reduced the chance of critical illness by 69 percent in the week to 59 days following the shot. The protection remained three to four months later, though it diminished to 46 percent."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/10/12/covid-vaccine-booster-benefits-limitations-protection/

Vaccines and what they do "reduce your risk of hospitalization and death"

Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours

Free COVID test kits are back: Here's how to get yours By Colleen Tressler, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education Starting September 25, you can order four free test kits per household through COVIDtests.gov. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/09/free-covid-test-kits-are-back-heres-how-get-yours

Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours

Updated COVID-19 vaccines for adults and children have just been authorized and recommended

"NEW: Updated COVID-19 vaccines for adults and children have just been authorized and recommended.

This means immunizations for all three major fall and winter respiratory viruses – COVID-19, flu, and RSV – are available.

Learn more at https://t.co/S2DQV6MlBv"

Shared from ->  https://t.co/Rc34cBzbq6

Updated COVID-19 vaccines for adults and children have just been authorized and recommended