What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 ???

Wednesday, April 9

Library & Senior Center events 

Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit (Norfolk Public Library)

9:00am Fallen Hero: Joseph R Paulette & Russel W. Shaw (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)

3:30pm Health Fair (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Tour the Franklin Food Pantry (sign up in advance) (Franklin Food Pantry)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Historical Commission Meeting

April 9, 2025, 6:00 PM = No agenda posted

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Franklin Health Department's Spring Fair - Apr 9

Franklin Health Department's Spring Fair - Apr 9

Join us on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, for the Franklin Health Department's Spring Fair!

Entry is free at the Franklin Public Library from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Enjoy refreshments, local vendors, painting, and much more!

Shared from -> https://t.co/Vgaj4sF1SW

State Officials Suspect HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) Outbreak Impacting Geese and Other Wildlife

PUBLIC INFORMATION

State Officials Suspect HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) Outbreak Impacting Geese and Other Wildlife

January 23, 2025

Massachusetts State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which very rarely infects humans, has already affected up to five counties in Massachusetts and resulted in the deaths of geese and swans in the Plymouth area. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health

(DPH) are advising the public to refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick.

• Reporting wild birds: The public should report observations of sick or deceased birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location using this simple form at mass.gov/reportbirds.
• Reporting domestic birds: The public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR's Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795.
• Handling birds and other wildlife: The public should strictly avoid handling any sick or dead birds or other animals. Report sightings as indicated above or call the local Animal Control Officer. 
• Keeping pets safe: Pets should always be kept away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent them from being exposed to infected wildlife.
• Hunting geese: While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, licensed hunters can minimize risk from wildlife diseases by following best practices when handling and processing game.

avian influenza update 1/23/25

The recent outbreak in Plymouth has impacted over 60 Canada geese, swans, and ducks. Smaller outbreaks of suspected HPAI impacting fewer than 15 geese at each location have been reported in recent weeks in other parts of the state.

Officials responded quickly and are collecting, testing, and safely disposing of dead birds. Prompt reporting of sick and dead birds by the public will expedite testing and diagnosis in cooperation with state and federal partners who have been monitoring HPAI for several years.

Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI. Raptors, waterfowl and other aquatic birds are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible. Birds may be infected with HPAI without showing any signs of illness. Wild mammals, especially those that scavenge on birds such as foxes, can also become infected.

Humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses. Humans that have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI are the most at risk of becoming infected.

People with questions about the public health impact of HPAI can visit  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/avian-flu, call the Division of Epidemiology (available 24/7) at 617-983-6800, or visit https: www.mass.gov/info-details/avian-influenza.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18C6Xk959P/ 

Congressman Auchincloss Appointed to Energy & Commerce

Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D, MA-04) has been appointed to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 119th Congress. The Committee is at the forefront of health care, technology, and energy policy. Rep. Auchincloss will serve on the Health, Energy, and Environment subcommittees. 

In particular, the committee has responsibility for matters including telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health and research, environmental quality, energy policy, and interstate and foreign commerce. 

 

Congressman Auchincloss Appointed to Energy & Commerce

“I am focused on lowering the cost of health care. Energy & Commerce is the prime committee for policy that can reduce co-pays and premiums, empower patients and doctors, and rein in the middlemen of corporate healthcare. I am excited to get working on legislation,” said Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D, MA-04)

 

A photo from Congressman Auchincloss’ first full-committee meeting can be viewed here -> 

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/

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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 

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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 

• 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!

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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"

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

The low-down on health insurance ads during open season

The low-down on health insurance ads during open season By Christopher E. Brown During open season for the Health Insurance Marketplace, you might have seen an increase — maybe a flood — of ads for health plans. The ads might promise comprehensive health insurance…but the plan turns out to have limited benefits.  Or it's a medical discount card and not insurance at all. Some ads might promise rewards or rebates to anyone who signs up for a plan.  Or they might say they're from the government – or government-endorsed, hoping to gain your trust. How to make heads or tails of it all? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/low-down-health-insurance-ads-during-open-season? The low-down on health insurance ads during open season

Bethany shares lessons from her Olympic journey, to help moms with their wellness (audio)

FM #1334 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1334 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Bethany Hart Gerry,  owner/operator of Destined 2 Evolve Wellness. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

Bethany Hart Gerry

We talked about 

• Bethany short story on how we got to the studio

• Her Olympic journey and lessons

• Her work focusing on wellness for moms

The audio recording runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen in -> Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1334-destined-2-evolve-12-03-24/

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Bethany’s contact info -> bethany@destined2evolvewellness.com 

Destined 2 Evolve Wellness web page ->  www.destined2evolvewellness.com 

Instagram -> @destined2evolvewellness 

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

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"

Talking fitness training for life with MC Alexander of Timeless Crossfit (audio)

FM #1325 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1325 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with MC Alexander, Owner & Head Coach at Timeless Crossfit Franklin and Pete Murray, one of her longtime fitness customers. We had our discussion in person at the Timeless Crossfit facility on Friday, November 22, 2024.

MC Alexander

We talk about 

• MC’s approach with Crossfit, training for life

• Pete’s story of success from physical challenges

The show notes include links to the Timeless website with hours, contact info, etc. Feel free to reach out to MC to schedule and try a class or session.

The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1325-timeless-crossfit-11-22-24/

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Timeless Crossfit Franklin -> https://www.timelesscrossfit.com/ 

Location -> 90 Hayward St, Franklin, MA 02038

MC’s email -> MC@TIMELESSCROSSFIT.COM 

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

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"