 |
| Highest flu rates this season |
FM #1623 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1623 the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. 2 board members were present (Daddario absent).
Quick Recap:
Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting
Reads protocol statement re: Google meet
Confirms participation via roll call
Approval of Dec minutes, moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)
Blood pressure kits available at Library
Discussion around the additional communications to spread the word, possible audio opportunity too
Flu cases
Mass Dept Public Health numbers on respiratory health, 16% emergency visits due to respiratory illnesses, flu and others in the category
Actual #s would be higher than reported, ie story of one test for a family of 4; largest group reported 5-19... What % of Franklin is vaccinated? DPH has the #s could query for
29 adult and 4 pediatric fatalities from flu this season across Mass
Discussion on setting up another flu vaccine sooner than later (before Feb vacation) COVID is still around but not as high as the flu
Moving to tobacco regulations
Motion to approve, new regulations with a couple of grandfather circumstances (500' for existing, 1000' for new locations) , max 6 mg per pouch
Second, vote on the motion, 2-0-1 (1 absent)
Regional health agent reports
Biannual inspections underway
2 residential kitchens, In operation, one last month, one this month starting now
Quarterly trend on health issues forthcoming
Explanation on food borne illness and inspection process upon alert
The meeting runs about 36 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting January 7, 2026.
--------------
Agenda doc ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01072026-2071
My notes in one PDF file ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nTgbKGgRO0z1GV2qqqNFwBpqaaqF590D/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"
 |
| Reminder: Kids Flu Clinic (18 and under) on October 18 - Sign up now! |
 |
| Town of Franklin is hosting a kids flu clinic (18 and under) on October 8 - Sign up now! |
10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin, Massachusetts 02038-1352
O. 508-613-1334
C. 774-278-8348
F. 508-520-4917
E. adeptula@franklinma.gov
Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CMRHX9tt2nST4z1NAAMcv_lXh_60pA6H/view?usp=drive_link
 |
| Free flu vaccine clinic for adults scheduled for Sep 25 at the Franklin Senior Center |
 |
| Town of Franklin, MA: flu clinic scheduled for children Oct 8, 2025; sign up today !!! |
 |
| Register Today !! Flu Clinic at Franklin Senior Center - Sep 25 |
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) |
 |
| Kids 18&under flu shots available |
"After the kids flu clinic yesterday I was able to acquire a few more flu vaccines for kids 18 and under.
I am now offering office visits but there is a limited number of appointments. Can you please share the attached flyer?
Parents are able to call me to schedule an in-office appointment at the Franklin Senior Center in order to get their kids vaccinated for the upcoming flu season.
My number is 508-613-1334. "
 |
| Fight the Flu Youth Clinic - Register now for Oct 16 |
FREE Flu Shots for kids 18 and under!
Wednesday 10/16/2024 at the Franklin Senior Center from 3:00PM to 5:30PM.
Sign Up Here: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=2024-kids-clinic_franklin-senior-center
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/fight-flu-youth-clinic
 |
| Franklin Flu Clinic |
Avoid the Flu and get a flu shot for free! September 19, 2024 from 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Franklin Senior Center
10 Daniel McCahill St
Franklin, MA, 02038
Sign up here: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=2024-franklin-senior-center-flu-clinic
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-flu-clinic
"It is National Influenza Vaccination Week!
It can take up to two weeks to build immunity after getting the flu shot.
Find flu and COVID-19 vaccine locations near you by visiting vaccines.gov"
 |
| Franklin Health Dept: Weekly Wellness Update -> It's National Influenza Vaccination Week! |
To register -> https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=kids-flu-clinic-2023
 |
| To register -> https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=kids-flu-clinic-2023 |
The Franklin Department of Health is hosting a free Flu Clinic for children (18 and under) on October 11, 2023 from 3-6 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.
Register here: buff.ly/3R9PQhv
 |
| Town of Franklin, MA: Children's flu clinic - Oct 11 |
 |
| 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
"NEW: Updated COVID-19 vaccines for adults and children have just been authorized and recommended.Shared from -> https://t.co/Rc34cBzbq6
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"
 |
| Updated COVID-19 vaccines for adults and children have just been authorized and recommended |
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 |