Franklin Food Pantry info on Winter Meal Kit distribution scheduled for Dec 18

Attention Pantry Clients who are registered for a Winter Meal Kit: 

Winter Meal Kit curb-side distribution will take place as scheduled on Monday, December 18. Pick-up time for last names A-M is 3-4:30 PM, and last names N-Z is 4:30-6 PM.  

Please come at your assigned time for traffic and pedestrian safety.  

If you cannot pick up your Winter Meal Kit due to weather, please call The Pantry at 508-528-3115 and leave a message with your name and phone number by 7 PM on Monday, December 18.

Franklin Food Pantry info on Winter Meal Kit distribution scheduled for Dec 18

Shared from -> https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02sKus8xEFJVnwB7p5JqvHdQkUVr8gTaLb1irGFSyfW7v6fLC91XTKXgrEdaLLRcNyl&id=100064488767698&mibextid=Nif5oz

Franklin Food Pantry Awarded Community Investment Grant from The Greater Boston Food Bank

Franklin-based Non-Profit to Use Community Investment Funds to Advance Local Hunger-Relief Efforts

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, awarded $13,831 to Franklin Food Pantry of Franklin, MA to support its ability to combat hunger in the area, bolstering GBFB's network of food agencies and advancing hunger-relief efforts across Eastern Massachusetts in response to an increased need for food in the state.

The annual grant program, originally founded in 2013, pivoted this year to strategically identify and invest in communities facing a heightened need for food. This investment aims to strengthen Franklin Food Pantry's ability to provide nutritious food to the Franklin community.

The grant will be used to fund technology upgrades and supplies for the Franklin Food Pantry's community garden which grows fresh vegetables for the Pantry to distribute to its neighbors.

A GBFB partner, the Franklin Food Pantry provides choice-based shopping to over 1,100 people in the Franklin community. The Pantry offers a unique hybrid model offering its neighbors appointment-based indoor shopping or a curbside distribution. Neighbors can shop weekly. Other programs include weekend backpacks for Franklin school students, home-delivery, mobile pantries, three holiday distributions and a robust community garden.

"We are so grateful to The Greater Boston Food Bank for awarding us the Community Investment grant. Franklin Food Pantry is focused on providing our neighbors with the highest quality of fruits and vegetables is committed to programming that improves our neighbor's quality of life," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. "Ninety percent of our donations go directly to supporting our neighbors.  The GBFB grant enables us to invest in much needed technology to enhance our client service operations and improve our organizational efficiency, enabling our staff and volunteers to spend more time directly assisting our neighbors and fulfilling our mission. We are also grateful for the support to our Community Garden. Our neighbors enjoy receiving freshly grown organic produce each week. The GBFB support is critical as the Community Garden grows into a core Pantry program supporting the overall health of our neighbors."

This grant follows the release of GBFB's second annual report on food insecurity, equity and access in Massachusetts. The study, "Opportunities to Improve Food Equity & Access in Massachusetts," reveals rising rates of food insecurity in the state and sustained disparities in food access for communities of color; with Latinx, Black and LGBTQ+-identifying adults experiencing the highest rates of food insecurity.

"It is solely through collaboration with our network of partner agencies that we are able to address food insecurity across Eastern Massachusetts on such a large scale," said Catherine D'Amato, president and CEO at GBFB. "In response to the sustained inequities in food access, we aim to invest in those communities facing a heightened need for food and drive equitable progress towards hunger relief through strategic grantmaking to our network of partner agencies. As food costs continue to rise nationwide, we look forward to seeing how these funds bolster the Franklin Food Pantry's ability to provide nutritious meals to our neighbors in Franklin.

 

About the Franklin Food Pantry 

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to almost 1,100 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other strategic partners. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Other programs include home delivery, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantry, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.   

About The Greater Boston Food Bank:
The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. In response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, GBFB distributed the equivalent of nearly 97 million meals in fiscal year 2021 through its network of 600 dedicated food distribution partners and programs in the 190 cities and towns across Eastern Massachusetts. A member of Feeding America, the nation's food bank network, GBFB's mission is to end hunger here and it is committed to providing at least three healthy meals a day to everyone in need. For more information, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank) and Instagram, or call us at 617.427.5200.

Community garden harvest at a Franklin Food Pantry distribution

"a strong supply chain is vital for everyone"

The CDL or truck driver shortage reported previously as affecting the trash/recycling pickup and was also highlighted in the two open jobs that the DPW is looking to fill, is not just a US issue. This article shares the info on preparation for the Christmas season in Europe (UK and Iceland in particular). 

"The UK government must allow retailers to recruit HGV drivers from foreign countries to avoid a supply chain crisis that could ruin Christmas, a senior supermarket chain boss has warned. 

Richard Walker, Iceland’s managing director, said the UK faced a shortage of 100,000 HGV drivers that was already causing 30-40 deliveries to its stores to be cancelled daily, and would upend plans to begin building Christmas stock from next month. 

“We’ve got Christmas around the corner, and in retail we start to stock build really from September onwards, for what is a hugely important time of year,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Wednesday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/25/iceland-boss-hgv-drivers-shortage-cancel-christmas-immigration-rules-uk

 

The Franklin DPW is hiring 2 for Heavy Motor Equipment Operator positions

Pantherbook: Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution at FHS

Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution at FHS

"On Wednesday, January 13, Coronavirus vaccinations were officially administered at Franklin High School. The vaccines, the first of a two-session dosage, were given primarily to frontline medical workers – included were various EMTs, nurses, and other healthcare personnel.

The gym, being the largest space in the school, was utilized to maintain social distancing guidelines while vaccinations were being distributed. Miniature “booths” were set at least six feet apart from one another, with plexiglass shields in front of patients and supervisors at all times. A temperature check was required before entry to the building, along with mandatory mask usage to ensure protection for those who came."

Continue reading the article at Pantherbook:  https://t.co/tzE3PkVGAT

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1350091281817595906

A view of the Franklin High School gym during Wednesday’s COVID vaccinations.  Siddharth Chandra

Board of Health Meeting - Jan 6, 2021 - recap

Quick Recap:

• new dashboard introduced for COVID-19 reporting, series of announcements featuring the police dog, Ben Franklin underway
• vaccine deployment for first responders scheduled for Jan 13 at FHS; coordination among Bellingham, Millis, Medway and Milford with Franklin to distribute this as the 'pilot' for additional distributions of the vaccine
• grant received for implementation of 'person in charge' training for food establishments to assist in reducing issues and violations
• meeting schedule for the first Wednesday of each month of 2021 approved
  

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder    https://photos.app.goo.gl/9B9CuwpX7a7gtYwq7

 

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #BoH0106

https://twitter.com/hashtag/boh0106?src=hashtag_click

• Live reporting underway for the Board of Health meeting just starting here virtually #BoH0106
• Link to meeting agenda https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-1-6-21.pdf. #boh0106 motion accept prior minutes, passes 2-0-1 (2 yes, 1 abstain)
• Update on new dashboard for COVID reporting #boh0106
• One campaign idea was rejected and the Ben series one out to help with messaging #boh0106
• Vaccine deployment for first responders was requested by DPH only last week, now planning underway for joint regional effort. #boh0106 vaccine plan proceeds, vaccines received for 400 1st responders to be coordinated by Fire Dept
• Roy interjects that the chart doesn't reflect Health Dept and it's role, need help with data logging can handles the delivery in an efficient manner, the triage is something they do regularly. #boh0106 They need to get vaccinations sooner than later.
• Suggestion to add new dashboard to 'normal' place on COVID portal so it can be found in both places. 2 - add the as of data for the data on the portal, would help trying to reconcile what's updated when. #boh0106
• Person in charge training updates, rec'd grant to provide to food establishments where there are frequent reports. #boh0106 training to cover food safety primarily, not specifically on COVID, although it can be a one page addendum. "Important resource to take advantage of"
• Motion to accept request for local upgrade approval for Maple St location, approved 3-0 via roll call #boh0106 assumes first Wednesday of the month, can add or changes as required. Motion to accept proposed schedule 4 2021, moved, seconded, passed 3-0 via roll call
• Motion to adjourn, passed via roll call 3-0. #boh0106 catch you later for the Town Council meeting coming up at 7 pm 

 

Board of Health Meeting - Jan 6, 2021 - recap

Cold Chain Technologies in the news

 

"Cold Chain Technologies ("CCT"), a leading global provider of reusable and single-use passive thermal packaging solutions for the shipment of temperature-sensitive products for the life sciences industry, has announced the opening of a new facility in Lebanon, Tennessee, a critical site to support the needs for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

As part of this nationwide expansion to meet the growing demands of global vaccine distribution, the new 255,000+ square feet cold chain facility, complete with Koolit refrigerant manufacturing and work cells for CCT's KoolTemp EcoFlex (CCT's market-leading reusable thermal packaging solution), is fully equipped to support the temperature-sensitive supply chain requirements of the COVID-19 vaccine with the industry's broadest portfolio of single-use and reusable systems for parcel and pallet shipments scalable to vaccine temperature needs."

Read more of the press release
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cold-chain-technologies-opens-facility-dedicated-to-the-distribution-of-the-covid-19-vaccine-301179360.html

"Cold Chain Technologies ("CCT" or the "Company"), a leading global provider of advanced reusable and single-use passive thermal packaging solutions for the shipment of temperature-sensitive products for the life sciences industry, announced today that Anthony (TJ) Rizzo has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer, and Amardeep (Amar) Chahal has joined the Company as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development.

While serving in several roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as Senior Vice President, TJ has made significant contributions to the growth of CCT over the last 15 years—both in the United States and through international expansion in Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. He has been instrumental in leading the development and deployment of CCT's global reusable and sustainable strategy as well as an active collaborator with our channel partners to deliver the cold chain capabilities needed to safely and efficiently deploy the COVID-19 vaccine. As a founding member, and current Chairman, of the ISTA Pharma Committee, TJ is well respected in the cold chain industry and is extensively involved in industry collaboration and the best practice development groups PDA, ISTA, and others. "

Read more of the press release

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cold-chain-technologies-welcomes-new-leadership-in-alignment-with-its-global-growth-strategy-301183269.html

They were also named one of the Manufacturing Award winners for 2020 by Senator Becca Rausch. The full listing of companies can be found in the commemorative magazine.

https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1303531-2020-massachusetts-manufacturing-awards/7?

Contollo Mass Manufacturing, also based in Franklin, was one of the recipients as well.  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/manufacturing-caucus-hosts-fifth-annual.html

one of the Manufacturing Award winners for 2020 by Senator Becca Rausch

The Franklin Food Pantry Distributes 220 Thanksgiving Meals

The Franklin Food Pantry gives thanks to our community for helping us fulfill 220 Thanksgiving baskets for our neighbors. Our neighbors received a turkey, potatoes, vegetables, rolls, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, coffee, choice of an Apple or Pumpkin Pie, and a Yankee Candle votive to help make their meal festive.

We couldn't make so many Thanksgivings extra special without the help of the following business and individuals who reached into their hearts and pockets. Thank you to b.Luze Hair & Makeup, Big Y, Yankee Candle Wrentham, Franklin Stop & Shop, The Franklin Interfaith Council, Greater Boston Food Bank, Working Moms Social Club, Dell, and the community members who purchased off of our Amazon Wish list.

If you want to donate to the Franklin Food Pantry, please visit their page  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

 

Some of the Franklin Food Pantry Staff and Volunteers that distributed Thanksgiving Meals

 

 

FM #340 Board of Health Mtg - 9/02/20 (audio)

FM #340 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 340 in the series.

This session shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Sep 2, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Vice-Chair Tim Cochrane opened the meeting and reviewed the usual protocol for conduct of such remote meetings. Chair Bridget Sweet did join the call as it started and also left at 5:30 PM (about 30 minutes in).

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda, the Board of Health page, and my notes from the meeting. 

The meeting runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrcKgsTK

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Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-board-of-health-agenda-sep.html 

My meeting notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/board-of-health-recap-sep-2-2020.html 

Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department 

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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/

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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

M #340 Board of Health Mtg - 9/02/20 (audio)

Board of Health Recap - Sep 2, 2020

Recap: The Franklin, MA Board of Health discussed and approved a tiered penalty structure for violations of COVID-19 emergency order to be effective Sep 8, 2020.

The interns presented the plan for distribution of the flu shots and potentially for the coronavirus vaccine. Workflow, materiel order sheets, workstation supply sheets, etc. It seems comprehensive. Copy not available other than via screen captures during the meeting. 

Some other items of business were reviewed briefly before the meeting closed with kudos to the interns for their work on the planning.

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #boh0902
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0902&src=typeahead_click
 

• Real time reporting underway for Board of Health meeting #boh0902  discussion on process for board to enforce the emergency order, warning and escalation of fine per offense proposed.
• Agenda for this meeting on the Town webpage #boh0902 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-9-2-20_2.pdf 
• Tiered penalty; written warning for first offense, $100 for next, $200 as next, $300 as next violation. Proposal being voted on to be effective 9/8/20 motion made, seconded, passed 3-0 #boh0902
• Interns presenting on emergency drive through service (EDS) #boh0902
• More slides from presentation Dec, not all included #boh0902
• Presentation covers process if and when Town would set up to distribute flu vaccine and later for the potential of a COVID Vaccine #boh0902
• Annual report section submitted for town annual report; EEE being watched, we are good so far. #boh0902 meeting adjourned

Photos captured during the live broadcast can be found on this online folder

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qc92AJ3sK3CLNK6r5

designs for signs to be used in the distribution process

VisualCapitalist: "What Does The Coffee Supply Chain Look Like?"

 

"There’s a good chance your day started with a cappuccino, or a cold brew, and you aren’t alone. In fact, coffee is one of the most consumed drinks on the planet, and it’s also one of the most traded commodities.

According to the National Coffee Association, more than 150 million people drink coffee on a daily basis in the U.S. alone. Globally, consumption is estimated at over 2.25 billion cups per day.

But before it gets to your morning cup, coffee beans travel through a complex global supply chain. Today’s illustration from Dan Zettwoch breaks down this journey into 10 distinct steps."

Continue reading the article online  https://www.visualcapitalist.com/from-bean-to-brew-the-coffee-supply-chain/

VisualCapitalist: "What Does The Coffee Supply Chain Look Like?"

School Committee - Policy Subcommittee - Agenda - August 6 at 4 PM

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may, in fact, be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

I. Electronic Distribution of Approved Policies

1. ECAF - Security Cameras in Schools
2. EEA - Student Transportation Policy and Eligibility
3. EEA-R - Transportation Policy Responsibilities
4. EEAG - Student Transportation in Private Vehicles
5. Policy Distribution Folder

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

• 1. Second Readings (8/11/20):

• a) FA - Facilities Development Goals

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

1. Creation of a General (Interim) Policy on COVID-Related Issues EBC Supplemental
2. Continued Review of Policies

Shared from the agenda document (meeting connection info in doc)
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/8.6.20_policy_posting_agenda_.pdf

School Committee - Policy Subcommittee - Agenda - August 6 at 4 PM