Do your part, Franklin (video)

Let's all do our part to stay healthy this holiday season! #DoYourPartFranklin

 

video link https://youtu.be/OiDWi1qEHYk

 

"Most businesses restricted to 25 percent capacity for at least 2 weeks in ‘critical period’"

The Boston Globe has the following:

"Governor Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced the toughest set of coronavirus-related restrictions since June, clamping down on the number of people allowed inside restaurants, groceries, and other public gathering spots in an attempt to stave off another holiday surge.

Capacity limits for most businesses will be lowered to 25 percent beginning Saturday and will remain restricted for at least two weeks, Baker said, prompting pushback from some who said companies may not survive another hit to their bottom lines."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/22/metro/gov-baker-announces-new-temporary-restrictions-gatherings-businesses/

Gov Baker's press conference video https://youtu.be/2TaRgI-x-z0

Additional info can be found on the COVID-19 page https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information

Reopening Update: New Capacity Limits Effective Saturday

Effective Saturday 12/26, most sectors must adhere to new capacity limitations

Reopening Update: New Capacity Limits Effective Saturday Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that beginning at 12:01 a.m. on December 26th, 2020, Massachusetts will implement temporary capacity limits to stop the spread of COVID-19 as cases and hospitalizations rise. Businesses must adhere to the following capacity limitations. The revised limits below supersede existing limits in the Phase 3, Step 1 Sector-Specific Protocols. Except for the specified adjustments to capacity limitations, all other terms of the COVID-19 gatherings order (including exceptions) and all sector-specific workplace safety rules remain unchanged. These limits are in effect until January 10th, 2021 unless further extended by the Governor.   Gatherings (adjusting Order No. 57): 10 persons indoors, 25 persons outdoors, applies to both private homes and event venues and public spaces Restaurants: 25% of seating capacity, workers/staff excluded from occupancy count, applies separately to indoor and outdoor capacity Close Contact Personal Services: 25% capacity, workers/staff excluded from occupancy count Indoor and Outdoor Events: 10 persons indoors, 25 persons outdoors, workers/staff excluded from occupancy count Theaters and Performance Venues (Indoor performance venues remain closed): movie theaters at 25% capacity and maximum 50 people, outdoor performance venues at 25% capacity and maximum 25 people Casinos: 25% capacity, with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to re-issue capacity rules as necessary Office Spaces: 25% capacity Places of Worship: 25%, workers/staff excluded from occupancy count Retail Businesses: 25% capacity, workers/staff excluded from occupancy count Driving and Flight Schools: 25% capacity  Golf Facilities: 25% capacity, applies only to indoor spaces Libraries: 25% capacity  Operators of Lodgings: 25% capacity, applies only to common areas Arcades & Other Indoor & Outdoor Recreation Businesses: 25% capacity Fitness Centers and Health Clubs: 25% capacity  Museums / Cultural & Historical Facilities / Guided Tours by vehicles and vessels: 25% capacity Sectors Not Otherwise Addressed: 25% capacity  Common Areas in facilities subject to EEA-issued COVID-19 safety rules: 25% capacity, applies only to indoor spaces and excludes youth and amateur sports facilities These new limitations do not impact Massachusetts public schools, which operate under separate guidance from the Commonwealth. Where no licensed or permitted capacity allowance is on record and for any enclosed space within a larger facility, occupancy shall be limited to no more than 5 persons per 1,000 square feet. For further information, please visit Mass.Gov/Reopening. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the Partnership can be of any assistance to you. You may reach me directly via email at jason@495partnership.org. Sincerely, Jason Palitsch Executive Director The 495/MetroWest Partnership

The 495/MetroWest Partnership | 200 Friberg Parkway, Suite 1003, Westborough, MA 01581 Sent by jason@495partnership.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

FM #410 School Committee Meeting - 12/08/20 - P2 of 3 (audio)

FM #410 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 410 in the series. 

This session shares one of three segments for the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 8, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the two hour and forty minute meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Discussion Action Items (approx. 53 minutes)
• ** Second ** - picks up Discussion Only Items; the budget update, K-1 return alternatives, and re-opening through the School Committee members comments only (approx. 55 minutes)
• Third - picks up the community comments on re-opening and run through the remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Dec 8, 2020

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0e55c70c-7136-48d3-8e81-7ec537e97c00

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Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-8-20.pdf 

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-8-2020-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/school-committee-meeting-dec-8-2020.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/

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" 

Superintendent Sara Ahern provides an update at a recent SchComm meeting

FM #391 Health Dir Cathleen Liberty - 11/12/20 (audio)

FM #391 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 391 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin, MA Health Director Cathleen Liberty. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about how she is keeping her head above water on the COVID-19 pandemic, all the recent changes and what remains the same, especially as we head into this holiday season.

The recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen   Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyBwn4CS

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

Town of Franklin Coronovirus portal  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal 

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

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!

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

FM #391 Health Dir Cathleen Liberty - 11/12/20 (audio)

Santa on the Common - now a drive by event - Nov 29

Due to the pandemic we are changing the format of Santa on the Common. A Drive By is planned where you can see Santa in your car. You must follow these simple rules:

1. Santa will be on the corner of Main and High St. 
2. You family must enter by Union St. and exit Main St.
3. You and your family must wear masks
4. Before you see Santa give your Christmas list to the person before Santa
5. When you are in front of Santa you can wave and greet him and he will give you a souvenir of the event
6. After you have greeted Santa you will be given a gift certificate for a treat 
7. We hope you join us, for Santa wants to be able to see  you before his magical flight

When?

Sunday - November 29, 2020 - 4:00 PM

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h2hSRT2enI5bOyg1pf6ija0YMXj5hPh5/view?usp=sharing

Santa on the Common - now a drive by event - Nov 29

FPAC to Present Socially Distanced Production of ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND - Nov 8

"The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present a creative and socially distanced production of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland on Sunday, November 8. A nomadic audience of 10 will meet Alice and follow her from venue to venue as her adventures unfold. Dressed to be outside and in, audience members will walk from vignette to vignette, on THE BLACK BOX and 38 Main Street campus. Masks are required.

The creative production was conceived and directed by Nick Paone. Paone has a BA in Theater from Occidental College. A former Equity actor, his performing credits include Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors, Oklahoma, Red Roses, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and Romeo and Juliet. He has written and directed numerous shows, produced an evening of one-act plays in NYC, and traveled extensively performing with TheatreWorks USA. Nick's numerous FPAC credits include The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, Seussical, The Addams Family, Peter Pan, Les Misérables, Humbug!, Newsies, Little Shop of Horrors, and many more. He is the creative mind behind FPAC's original musicals Humbug!, Zero, and multiple holiday pantos."

Shared from https://www.broadwayworld.com/boston/article/FPAC-to-Present-Socially-Distanced-Production-of-ALICES-ADVENTURES-IN-WONDERLAND-20201102?

Tickets can be purchased online  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1421&month=11&year=2020

ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND - Nov 8

 

FHS Back-To-School Video (Hybrid School Tour)

Check out this FHS School Tour! Thanks to
@A_Shetty02 for helping our TV students produce a video walk-through of all the new hybrid protocols. 

Video link = https://youtu.be/sPhn8N6qQnM

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1321927638248730624?s=03

FM #370 Board of Health Mtg - 10/21/20 (audio)

FM #370 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 370 in the series.

This session shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Oct 21, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The discussion centered around one net new business attempting to open for business without being properly prepared to file the documentation required to open and operate during this pandemic period.

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

The meeting runs about 60 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting for Oct 21, 2020   Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HB2v0fYK

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Meeting agenda:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/franklin-ma-board-of-health-agenda-oct.html

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

--------------
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!

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

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

 

screen grab of Board of Health Mtg 10/21/20

Franklin Library: Jumpin' Juba Car Concert - Oct 9

Jumpin' Juba Car Concert, Friday, October 9, 3:00 PM. Please remain in your vehicle while enjoying the concert! 

This program is supported by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. https://t.co/xCYg351hu3

Shared from Twitter https://twitter.com/FrkPublicLib/status/1314198929202982913?s=03

Franklin Library: Jumpin' Juba Car Concert - Oct 9

In the News: studies show children can spread COVID-19, small gatherings are also sources

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:   

"Children who caught the coronavirus at day cares and a day camp spread it to their relatives, according to a new report that underscores that kids can bring the germ home and infect others.

Scientists already know children can spread the virus. But the study published Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “definitively indicates — in a way that previous studies have struggled to do — the potential for transmission to family members,” said William Hanage, a Harvard University infectious diseases researcher.

The findings don’t mean that schools and child-care programs need to close, but it does confirm that the virus can spread within those places and then be brought home by kids. So, masks, disinfection and social distancing are needed. And people who work in such facilities have to be careful and get tested if they think they may be infected, experts said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200911/study-kids-infected-at-day-care-spread-coronavirus-at-home/1?rssfeed=true

"Relatively small social gatherings continue to drive infections in Framingham, according to Wong.

Over and over, residents who have tested positive tell Framingham’s contact tracing team they recently got together with friends or family.

“We have not seen any one single gathering or a couple large gatherings that generated multiple cases,” Wong said. “That’s not happening at this point. But that is also telling us that there’s a lot of smaller gatherings going on.”

Over the past few weeks, younger residents have accounted for most new COVID-19 infections in Framingham. The median age of those newly diagnosed with the coronavirus between Aug. 23 and Sept. 5 was 40, according to the Framingham Health Department’s weekly data release."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200912/in-framinghams-third-week-of-high-risk-designation-community-transmission-of-covid-19-is-on-rise?rssfeed=true

FM #331 Senator Becca Rausch 8/14/20 (audio)

FM #331 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 331 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Senator Becca Rausch. Our conversation was conducted outdoor, appropriately social distanced, on the Town Common. 

We were slowed in talking by the sound check by the Jesse Liam Band preparing for their set at the last Concerts on The Common. So thanks to Jesse Liam and his band for providing an interlude for our conversation. Actually more than one, as we stopped and started again. Periodically, you will hear some wind noise. Note to self when recording outdoors, even if it doesn’t seem breezy, put the windcap on the microphone.

In this conversation, Senator Rausch and I have a wide ranging conversation covering budget, health, schools, transparency, and some Franklin specific topics. I learned, and you can hear, of Senator Rausch's background as a health attorney which has played a key part in her role in this pandemic period.

The recording runs just about 41 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Senator Rausch. Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-331-senator-becca-rausch-8-14-20

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Senator Becca Rausch page   https://www.beccarauschma.com/ 

Election information, Vote by Mail Act  https://www.beccarauschma.com/2020-elections  

Sign up for a spot during one of her virtual ‘office hours’  https://www.beccarauschma.com/office-hours 

COVID-19 updates https://www.beccarauschma.com/coronavirus 

Newsletter archive  https://us20.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=09452b4d597ce95fe20563af4&id=c427233b9b 

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

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!

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

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

FM #331 Senator Becca Rausch 8/14/20 (audio)

FM #328 Franklin (MA) School Comm Mtg - Reopening Plan - 8/11/20 (audio)

FM #328 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 328 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

In this almost four hour meeting, Sara presents the comprehensive plan supported by additional members of the Task Force. There is a lengthy discussion among the School Committee and then with the community attendees. 

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and reference documents. 

The recording runs just about 4 hours, so let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of August 11, 2020. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZsClZsK

 

 

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• The school committee agenda  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-school-committee-meeting.html

• Superintendent's message on the plan  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-public-schools-superintendents.html

• Executive summary of the plan https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-public-schools-executive.html

• Reopening presentation deck shared prior to meeting https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fps-re-opening-plan-presentation-for.html

• My notes reported live during the meeting   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/school-committee-votes-on-plan-to-begin.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/

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"

FM #328 Franklin (MA) School Comm Mtg - Reopening Plan - 8/11/20 (audio)

"We also want to keep this virus out of our communities"

 From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Gov. Charlie Baker is indefinitely postponing the next step of the state’s reopening in response to the uptick in COVID-19 cases that Massachusetts has seen in recent weeks.

The governor said the second step of Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan will be put on hold and the outdoor gathering limit will decrease from 100 to 50, effective Tuesday. He said he was authorizing all state and local police to enforce the orders, and that people who host events — even on private property — that exceed gathering limits will be subject to fines.

Amid reports of large parties and unauthorized gatherings, Baker said “some residents feel a bit too relaxed about the seriousness of this virus.”

He also announced the creation of a COVID Enforcement and Intervention Team that will ramp up enforcement efforts and coordinate intervention efforts in yet-to-be-named high-risk communities."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200807/baker-orders-new-enforcement-gathering-size-limit-to-fight-virus-spread/1?rssfeed=true

Video link = https://youtu.be/kCGEj58c2hM