Invisible Stories - #3 - "Echo Park Lake's Homeless Community: 'Where Are We Going to Go'"

Mark Horvath (@hardlynormal) tweeted on Sun, Jul 11, 2021:

Invisible Stories is a mini-doc series that goes beyond the rhetoric, statistics, political debates, and limitations of social services to examine poverty in America via a medium that audiences of all ages understand and can't ignore. 

Link to the 3rd of the series: https://youtu.be/iY3LwDH72-c

Link to the series: https://t.co/Y0NRNIujar 

Shared from Twitter:    https://twitter.com/hardlynormal/status/1414284287034155020

Note: I met Mark at a social media conference many years ago and have been following his work. This series is very well done. Yes, the series is set in LA but homelessness is an issue all around us whether visible or not. 

Invisible Stories - #1 - "We Can't Let Homeless People Die: USC Street Medicine on Skid Row"

Mark Horvath (@hardlynormal) tweeted on Sun, Jul 11, 2021:

Invisible Stories is a mini-doc series that goes beyond the rhetoric, statistics, political debates, and limitations of social services to examine poverty in America via a medium that audiences of all ages understand and can't ignore. 

Link to the first of the series: https://youtu.be/RWVt_arzYoA

Link to the series: https://t.co/Y0NRNIujar 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/hardlynormal/status/1414284287034155020

Note: I met Mark at a social media conference many years ago and have been following his work. This series is very well done. Yes, the series is set in LA but homelessness is an issue all around us whether visible or not.

Invisible Stories - #1 - "We Can't Let Homeless People Die: USC Street Medicine on Skid Row"

"Swimply has 43 pools 'live' on its platform in Massachusetts, and another 170 are on a waitlist pending approval"

"If you order an Uber, you’ll ride in someone else’s car, and if you book an Airbnb, you’ll sleep in someone else’s home. Now, with an app called Swimply, you can stay cool in other people’s pools.

Erin Moriarty, a teacher who lives in Waltham, heard about the swimming pool app when a friend asked her to download it so he could rent her backyard oasis for his wife’s upcoming birthday party. Moriarty decided to give it a try, but she didn’t expect the flood of interest in her backyard that followed.

“I listed my pool on a Saturday, and when I woke up the next day, I had 10 bookings,” she said. “I’m surprised how many people know about the app.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/07/11/business/business-their-backyard-some-mass-residents-are-renting-pools-by-hour/

Greg and Kelly Daniell posed by their backyard pool. This summer, the Chelmsford couple have started using the app Swimply to rent out their pool by the hour.ERIN CLARK/GLOBE STAFF

Town Council Mtg 05/05/21 - in 3 parts FM #537, 538, 539 (audio)

FM #537-538-539 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 537-538-539 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost 3 hour minute meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the opening  recognition of DPW Director Cantoreggi, public hearing on stormwater bylaw wording, license transaction for LaCantina (~43 mins)
• Second - covers the Melanson & HEath audit report and the presentation by Franklin TV (~40 minutes)
• Third - covers the Town Communications update by Anne Marie Tracey through to the end of the meeting (~70 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this meeting.

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of May 5, 2021

Part 1 Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2de841ff-4455-4875-a8c9-9a743362aa8c

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Part 2 Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5356f1c6-0368-4267-8160-489e08f9762e

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Part 3 Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/66a992af-0500-4325-aaaa-0378d61a8988

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Agenda document folder
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-5-town-council-agenda

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-town-council-meeting-050521.html

 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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/  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"

 

Town Council Mtg 05/05/21 - in 3 parts FM #537, 538, 539 (audio)

 

Recap - Town Council Meeting - 05/05/21 - Cantoreggi recognized, LaCantina license changed, Franklin TV and communications updates

Quick Recap:

• DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi was recognized as a Top 10 Director across USA
• Public hearing on stormwater legislation language cleanup; Bissanti so against anything stormwater, he voted against closing the public hearing
• Addition of brewing to LaCantina license (granted in Legislation for Action) Neighbor comments on noise, parking to be addressed by Town Administrator
• Melanson Heath audit provides a real clean report with no management letter (best report in years)
• Franklin TV presentation provides insights in to how it is funded via cable fees, provides services to the Town via contract and programing for TV and radio of great value
• Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey provided an enthusiastic overview of the progress made in sharing awareness on what is happening
• Town receives notification on sale of Maple Hill property finally to start the 120 day close on right of first refusal. Stay tuned to this one

 
----
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  #tc0505
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0505&src=typeahead_click 
 
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/L6zifqjy7rspqDPB6
 
Audio segments for the meeting will be available in a couple of days

• Getting ready for the Town Council meeting, agenda page and connection info found here https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-5-town-council-agenda #tc0505
• Meeting opens shortly after 7 PM  #tc0505
• Citizen comments for up to 5 minutes for an item not on the agenda #tc0505 Colin Cass speaking for the dog park, a section for smaller dogs exists in Medway but it is not used. Shouldn't be subtracted from the existing space, should be added to.
• DPW Director Cantoreggi recognized as a "Top 10" professional out of 30,000 across the industry. Clean water is one of his specialties. #tc0505
• 2 minute recess for photo op #tc0505

Public Hearing

• Back to order, hearing for bylaw amendment, chap 185, special regulations. #tc0505 this was also required to get approval by planning board. Motion to close hearing, roll call 8-1 to close hearing

License transaction

• La Cantina change of permit https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7a._la_cantina.pdf from wine to wine and brewery, motion and second, pouring permit expands to include malt (beer). Clarification on Gov Baker for COVID emergency order on food requirements. Farmer series excludes food #tc0505
• Back to normal on May 29, not relevant to point in order. #tc0505  neighbor expressing concerns with problems with loud music and parking overflow in the neighborhood. Town had not heard of these problems will be setting up time to address concerns
• #tc0505 this is the right thing to do and look at the impact on the area. Additional parking now available through the Downtown Sports space. Finally get to the vote via roll call 9-0. Neighbor muted to get to the vote with reminder to contact the Town Administrator

Melanson Heath audit report

• Melanson Heath with audit results current audit for FY 2020  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/franklin_ma_fs20_-_final.pdf #tc0505 audit went well, account balances were reconciled in timely basis. Prior audit reports available on ToF page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/audits  no exceptions found
• Page 7 takes numbers to words, page 17 liability and fund balance section; net pension and OPEB, assumptions changed so results are shown here. #tc0505 page 19 general fund and stabilization funds unassigned fund balances of $11m what bond rating agencies look at
• Right in target and a healthy position. Budget vs actual page 59  3.1m of free cash used 
• Revenues over budget a decrease over prior year (motor vehicle and license permits) decent due to COVID. Expenses not as high within budget also due to pandemic albeit consistent #tc0505
• No management letter this year, small side letter but no major items  #tc0505 page 12 of PDF  Next item is Franklin TV

Franklin TV presentation

• Anticipating another percent reduction in cable fees as folks continue to cut the cord. (Slides to be added later) #tc0505 the Comcast and Verizon won't go away overnight as a way of generating revenues. i.e. working with TBB to generate programs
• Next up Anne Marie Tracey, with a great lead from Pete!

Marketing and Communications

• #tc0505 presentation doc  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/communications_and_marketing.pdf 
• Communications needs are as diverse as the communications required. #tc0505 the menu is available to meet all needs via the social media options audiences include current residents, employees as well as potential residents, business and employees
• Top pages of the town #tc0505
• Much done on the Town side is replicated on the Schools side as well #tc0505
• Capital budget round two approved tonight, coming to council in future. #tc0505 EDC meeting next Weds talking about restaurant, downtown parking, etc.

Legislation for action

• - Legislation for action  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._21-868_0.pdf  motion to approve, second, sentence added by planning board
• "watching a shell game in Brooklyn" #tc0505 brings us into compliance with the MS4 permit language. Stormwater bylaw has been on books since 2007. Recap done previously https://franklinmatters.org/2021/04/the-stormwater-story-summary-for.html 
• Finally to the roll call vote, passes 8-1 (Bissanti no) 
•  - Gift acceptance https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._sweeper_gift.pdf #tc0505 motion and second, passes 9-0
•  - Gift acceptance https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._ambulance.pdf  motion and second, passes 9-0
• Gift acceptance  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._gift_pd.pdf #tc0505 motion and second, passes 9-0 via roll call

Town Administrator report

• Town Administrator report, town back to green, plans to gradually reopening. Passport renewals Weds until July, hiring part time agent and photo booth services in July. Senior Ctr gradually opening too, newsletter updates, Common ground cafe possible after Memorial Day #tc0505
• Full budget hearings May 26-27  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy-22-budget-materials 
• Went for bond rating, asking what will it take to get a AAA rating, EPA working again at 300 Fisher St
• P&S received for Maple St property, clock starts today, legal review required before discussion on Maple hill ->
• Purchase price $4.5m, have time to respond to this #tc0505 

Council comments, Closing

• Kudos to acting clerk, got something in 10 minutes that it can take 10 days elsewhere. 
• Pellegri - folks are following FinComm meetings via cable not Zoom. 
• Thanks to the FinComm for the great job they did
• Thanks to the Administration and to the audit team for a great audit. Pete is doing a great job, looking forward to many more. The enthusiasm of Anne Marie, a real pleasure and joy  #tc0505 Motion to adjourn, via roll call 9-0  That's all for tonight catch you next time

 

Recap - Town Council Meeting - 05/05/21

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 5, 2021

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 5, 2021

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers, 355 East Central Street
7:00 PM 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.  This meeting may be recorded by others. 
b. Chair to identify Council Members participating remotely

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Brutus Cantoreggi, Public Works Director - American Public Works Association, Public Works Director of the Year Award

5. APPOINTMENTS
None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM
Bylaw Amendment 21-868: Chapter 185, Zoning Article V, Special Regulations

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
La Cantina Winery/La Cantina Brewery, Change of Category on their Farmer Series Pouring Permit from Wines to Wine and Malt Beverages, 355 Union Street, Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Melanson & Heath - FY20 Audit 
b. Franklin TV - Pete Fasciano 
c. Anne Marie Tracey - Town Communications and Civic Engagement Update

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 21-868: Chapter 185, Zoning Article V, Special Regulations - Second Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-868 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-24: Gift Acceptance - DPW Highway & Grounds Division, Sand Sweeper (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-24 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-25: Ambulance Refund Acceptance - Fire Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-25 - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-26: Gift Acceptance - Historical Commission, $100 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-26 - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-27: Gift Acceptance - Police Department, $300 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-27 - Majority Vote) 

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
a. COVID-19
b. FY22 Budget Update - FY22 Town Administrator Budget Materials

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None Scheduled

ADJOURN

Note:  Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Meeting agenda (PDF version)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/5-5-21_town_council_agenda_packet.pdf

Town Council agenda web page with links to all docs

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-5-town-council-agenda

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 5, 2021

The Guardian: "US Postal Service reportedly tracking social media posts"

"The US Postal Service has reportedly been monitoring social media posts, with a focus on people planning protests.

The surveillance procedure, known as the Internet Covert Operations Program (iCOP), tracks social media activity that it describes as “inflammatory” and shares that information to government agencies, according to a government bulletin from 16 March obtained by Yahoo News. The program is part of the efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the law enforcement arm of the USPS.

The USPIS monitored social media accounts regarding planned protests occurring internationally and domestically on 20 March, when the World Wide Rally for Freedom and Democracy was scheduled to take place, according to the bulletin."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/apr/23/usps-covert-program-postal-service-social-media

Nieman Lab: "The first challenge is data... The second is money"

"Social media disinformation discussions are going in circles. Here's how to change that."

"On Thursday, the CEOs of Facebook, Google, and Twitter will testify before Congress about online disinformation. Even before the gavel bangs, we can predict what will happen. Some members of Congress will demand that social media platforms do more to stop viral falsehoods from damaging democracy and triggering violence. Others will warn of needlessly restricting speech and say it could even inflame fringe elements and drive them to less-governed spaces.

This same argument repeats itself after every crisis, from Christchurch to QAnon to COVID-19. Why can’t we break the impasse? Because the debate about countering disinformation can itself be a fact-free zone: long on theories, short on evidence. We need better expertise, and that means empowering experts."

Continue reading the article online

https://slate.com/technology/2021/03/online-disinformation-congressional-hearing-amazon-google-twitter-ceos.html

Photo illustration by Slate. Photo by Olena Poliakevych/iStock/Getty Images Plus

A message from the Diversity Awareness Club ...

January 26, 2021

To the Franklin Community:

Three weeks ago, an act of domestic terrorism shocked and saddened the American people and left many shaken by the explicit displays of racial, ethnic, and religious hatred. In the days following this attack, members of the Diversity Awareness Club at Franklin High School met to discuss their feelings and to unite in one voice against the dangers posed by white nationalist groups and their enablers. This letter represents that united voice.

It is impossible to entirely separate this event from current political divisions; however, the Diversity Awareness Club believes that a stand against hatred is fundamental and not political - it is American and not Republican or Democratic. We are convinced that the majority of Donald J. Trump’s political supporters reject these acts as well. Nonetheless, we believe it is important for all Americans to reflect deeply on the unique pain experienced by people of diverse racial and religious backgrounds. More than just an attack on democracy, this insurrection made plain the ongoing threat that extremist groups pose to racial and religious equality in the United States.

Below are the unedited voices of the Diversity Awareness Club members. We ask that you take the time to consider their perspectives. They are your classmates, your students, your neighbors, and your fellow Americans.

…”The terrorisms shown at the Capitol resurfaced many of the feelings I’d know when I was younger. The same fear, disgust, and sadness for our country was back. Not only had people committed acts of hate, but they had gotten away with it in a way that people of color wouldn’t have been able too.”- Mia Story

...“In school we barely learn about the history of slavery and the roots of racism. This affects our everyday lives because if we were educated on topics like this, then it would make people more comfortable using their voice, instead of just agreeing with whatever Trump has to say. This man is abusing his power and getting all his followers to do what he says. He encouraged what happened at Capitol Hill and people still think this is okay. This was an act of terrorism, this was not a protest. But when people do peaceful protests to try and save lives they get shot with rubber bullets and burned with tear gas. It is a pure image of racism in America.” - Shay Kilroy

... “The riot at the Capitol should not come as a surprise to anyone. Trump has been abusing his power for 4 years, encouraging hateful extremist groups to behave with malice and violence. Trump told the groups that stormed the Capitol that he loved them. That’s messed up.” - Ji-Yann Chin

... “The people who stormed the Capitol are filled with hate, and it should not be tolerated. I am scared for what could happen in the future; I should be able to do my schoolwork instead of having to be worried about myself, or someone I love getting hate crimed, but sadly this is what it is like being a teenager in America.” -Darby Nicholson

... “One of the most appalling things seen at the capitol in my opinion was that a confederate flag entered that building. This is the first time since the civil war that a confederate flag has ever got into that building. People fought and died so that flag would never be on Capitol Hill, now not even a week goes by in 2021 and that hateful flag entered the building.”- Julia Atwood

... “Allowing such aggressive, unnecessary “protest” with not nearly as much resistance from law enforcement as Black Lives Matter was met with made me angry, and upset, and many other overwhelming emotions that I did not know what to do with.”- Sofia Chouinard

... “Although one of my teachers did bring it up and we did discuss a bit about how insane and stupid the riot was, all the other teachers stayed quiet. I feel that more teachers should have brought it up because of the amount of pain it caused to others. The racism, anti-semitism, these are real problems and not talking about them will not just make them magically disappear.”

... While there is so much wrong with the riots, and so much to say about them, the anti-semitism is what affects me most personally. Knowing that so many people across the country believe in and act violently on the behalf of anti-semitic rhetoric has always been upsetting and scary. But actually seeing people storm our nation's Capitol building and outwardly expressing that they want me, my family, and people of my ethnicity dead, was literally horrifying. And seeing the sitting president condone those actions was even scarier.

“The riot that took place in the Capitol was a disgrace to the democracy that America stands for. The Pro-Trump rioters believe in making America great again, supposedly support the blue lives matter movement but their actions clearly proved that they are not capable of following the laws which go against the American constitution and they also harmed many capitol police officers”.  -Amulya Chirravuri

“So the most important thing we have to do now is face these problems. We have to fight for the liberty and equality that our country is supposed to stand for. We have to choose to move forward, as a town, as a state, and as a country. The riots last Wednesday only showed a small portion of what is to come, and the potential dangers it can provide to our country if untouched. We must do better.”

 

The Diversity Awareness Club remains committed to working with the superintendent and members of the school administration in order to help stop the spread of racism and discrimination and to create a safer environment for minorities entering Franklin Public Schools.

Parents, teachers, and students, we ask for your support in making this community a better and safer environment for all students and families.

Thank you,

Diversity Awareness Club Members of Franklin High School

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DiversityFHS/status/1354560761264279553

PDF version of the text:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PoWXZIh51bVYXaSnZApTVQzS-88IQaaS/view?usp=sharing

New York Times: Don't loose this Pentagon papers story in the midst of everything else going on

 

"There was one story Neil Sheehan chose not to tell. It was the story of how he had obtained the Pentagon Papers, the blockbuster scoop that led to a 1971 showdown between the Nixon administration and the press, and to a Supreme Court ruling that is still seen as a milepost in government-press relations.

From the moment he secured the 7,000 pages of classified government documents on the Vietnam War for The New York Times, until his death on Thursday, Mr. Sheehan, a former Vietnam War correspondent and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, declined nearly every invitation to explain precisely how he had pulled it off.

In 2015, however, at a reporter’s request, he agreed to tell his story on the condition that it not be published while he was alive. Beset by scoliosis and Parkinson’s disease, he recounted, in a four-hour interview at his home in Washington, a tale as suspenseful and cinematic as anyone in Hollywood might concoct."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/07/us/now-it-can-be-told-how-neil-sheehan-got-the-pentagon-papers.html

For those who might not recall the Pentagon Papers

https://www.archives.gov/research/pentagon-papers

There was a hashtag, soon there'll be tone indicators

This came across the radar last week but got dropped and is definitely share worthy.

"Tone Is Hard to Grasp Online. Can Tone Indicators Help?

We all struggle to communicate on the internet. Now, young people are leading a sincere effort to clear things up.

Written language is an imperfect method for the messy, complex business of communication, where facial expressions, gestures and vocal tones transmit oceans of meaning and subtext — for those, at least, who can read them.

Words themselves offer none of that: In a famous study, Albert Mehrabian, a psychology professor at U.C.L.A., found that humans tend to perceive only a fragment of a speaker’s meaning through spoken words. Instead, he observed, most meaning is gleaned from body language and tone of voice.

In a text-only environment, how can we ever be certain other people understand what we mean when we post online? Enter tone indicators. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/09/style/tone-indicators-online.html

https://static01.nyt.com/images/2020/12/13/fashion/09toneindicators-promo/09toneindicators-promo-jumbo.jpg?quality=90&auto=webp

"Survey-based measurement of news consumption is not without its own problems"

From the Pew Research Center comes a study on measuring news consumption:

"Given the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of this news landscape and concerns around overreporting of news consumption, Pew Research Center wanted to explore how best to measure news consumption: Where do currently used survey practices still work and where might changes be in order?

This report is the culmination of this effort and is organized into three sections: Chapter 1 looks at the U.S. public’s familiarity with newer concepts related to news; Chapter 2 examines possible ways to improve survey-based measures of news consumption; and Chapter 3 compares survey results to the use of passive data that comes straight from tracking software news consumers downloaded to their digital devices.

Americans are largely familiar with new technologies but often don’t think of them as news sources."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.journalism.org/2020/12/08/measuring-news-consumption-in-a-digital-era/
 

"Survey-based measurement of news consumption is not without its own problems" (Pew Research photo)

WBUR: 'COVID Is A Real Thing': Revere Survivors Tell Their Stories To Help City Fend Off Next Wave

WBUR shares some of the social media campaign being used in Revere to explain "COVID Is A Real Thing"

"My father was in the ICU for 45 days. He ended up having pneumonia; [he was] severely sick," she said. "My mother ended up catching it, too."

The city of Revere is using the experiences of COVID-19 survivors like Sao to help stave off an anticipated resurgence of the disease this fall and winter.

Revere is one of the communities the state considers to be at high risk. So far, more than 2,660 people have become sick and 103 Revere residents have died from COVID-19.

In a new public health campaign by the city and RevereTV, people who were ill describe their recovery and share thoughts about public health precautions like covering your mouth in public, washing your hands, and socially distancing."

Continue reading the article online

https://www.wbur.org/news/2020/09/26/covid-revere-campaign-next-wave

The RevereTV channel on YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGl4hREwgcCQxKA52C7Y_Bg 

Brittany Sao's story =   https://youtu.be/u9Nqg4bfcH4

 

Marvin Pena's story =    https://youtu.be/9r3Pb3kvWOY

 

In the News: opportunity to re-purpose office buildings; Russia meddling in election

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

"Commercial tenants say they can negotiate for lower rent payments because there’s a glut of office space on the market due to an increasing number of remote workers.

The long-term impact on commercial office space caused by the coronavirus pandemic is unknown, but it could be a rocky road.

Many companies turned to a remote workforce since March, and some are considering making it a permanent move. If that happens, owners of commercial buildings could lose vast numbers of tenants, and take a huge financial hit.

“Those who own commercial properties, they’re going to be devastated by that (potential scenario),” said Jim Giammarinaro, president of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200912/will-office-buildings-become-ghost-towns-because-of-coronavirus-pandemic?rssfeed=true 

  

"The leaked recordings were hardly a political bombshell: The apparent phone conversations between Joe Biden and Ukraine’s then-president largely confirm Biden’s account of his dealings in Ukraine.

But the choppy audio, disclosed by a Ukrainian lawmaker whom U.S. officials described Thursday as an “active Russian agent” who has sought to spread online misinformation about Biden, was nonetheless seized on by President Donald Trump as well as his supporters to promote conspiracy theories about the Democratic nominee. Social media posts and videos about the recordings have been viewed millions of times, according to an Associated Press analysis, even though Trump’s own administration says they rely on “false and unsubstantiated narratives.”

The audio’s proliferation on social media shows how foreign operations aimed at influencing the U.S. election are still easily reaching Americans, despite efforts by Facebook, YouTube and Twitter to rein in such meddling."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200912/biden-audio-first-shared-by-russian-agent-thrives-online?rssfeed=true 

In the New: An example of why you never share your password

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

A British man, a Florida man and a Florida teen were identified by authorities Friday as the hackers who earlier this month took over Twitter accounts of prominent politicians, celebrities and technology moguls to scam people around the globe out of more than $100,000 in Bitcoin.

Graham Ivan Clark, 17, was arrested Friday in Tampa, where the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office will prosecute him as adult. He faces 30 felony charges, according to a news release. Mason Sheppard, 19, of Bognor Regis, U.K., and Nima Fazeli, 22, of Orlando, were charged in California federal court.

In one of the most high-profile security breaches in recent years, hackers sent out bogus tweets on July 15 from the accounts of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Mike Bloomberg and a number of tech billionaires including Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Celebrities Kanye West and his wife, Kim Kardashian West, were also hacked.

....

Twitter previously said hackers used the phone to fool the social media company’s employees into giving them access. It said hackers targeted “a small number of employees through a phone spear-phishing attack.”

“This attack relied on a significant and concerted attempt to mislead certain employees and exploit human vulnerabilities to gain access to our internal systems,” the company tweeted.

After stealing employee credentials and getting into Twitter’s systems, the hackers were able to target other employees who had access to account support tools, the company said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200731/3-charged-in-massive-twitter-hack-bitcoin-scam/1?rssfeed=true 

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#ThinkBlueFranklin Contest starts - get your camera ready!

The Think Blue Franklin Contest starts today (7/20/20)!

Help us spread awareness about storm water!

Dear Franklin residents,
Today we're announcing the launch of a #ThinkBlueFranklin hashtag and photo contest! Participating is easy! Review the contest categories and take a few pictures. Pick your best and tag the photos on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram with #ThinkBlueFranklin and @townoffranklinma (Instagram), @TOFranklinMA (Twitter), or @OfficialTownofFranklin (Facebook)! Twenty participants will be chosen at random to win $100 Amazon gift cards!
In this contest, residents of Franklin can win by sharing photos that fit the topics below: 

• Storm Drains: We want you to go "Go Drain-Spotting" in your neighborhood or around the community. Take a picture of a storm drain and tag it on social media.
• Walkin' In the Rain: Put on your raincoat, galoshes, and grab the umbrella and take a stroll in the rain. Check out where the water in your neighborhood goes after a storm. Take a picture of you and your family out on the walk and tag it on social media.
• Smart Yard Care: Taking your grass clippings to the local drop off-site? Following the instructions on your lawn fertilizer bag? Take a picture and tag it on social media so we can reward your smart yard choices!
• Scoop the Poop: It's always a good idea to pick up after your pet and toss the waste in the trash. Take your best scoop the poop picture and tag it on social media. 

The hashtag/photo contest runs from Monday, July 20th through Sunday, August 16th, and is open to Franklin residents only. There is no cost for residents to submit photos or win prizes.  Winners will be contacted by August 21st. 

Our #Think Blue Franklin campaign is about encouraging residents to do their part to make Franklin a cleaner and healthier place to live and work. To join in the fun, grab your phone, and snap pictures of you and/or your family doing these simple things to make Franklin's land and waters cleaner!

Ready to get started? You may submit one entry per category (listed above) and each photo you post must include #ThinkBlueFranklin and @townoffranklinma (Instagram), @TOFranklinMA (Twitter), or @OfficialTownofFranklin (Facebook). You may post to either Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, whichever social media site you prefer.

Questions? Visit www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division, check out our contest website at https://www.thinkbluemassachusetts.org/thinkbluefranklin or contact Anne Marie Tracey by email at traceya@franklinps.net  

Have fun and good luck! 

#ThinkBlueFranklin Contest starts - get your camera ready!

PEW: The State of Trust, Facts, and Democracy

Stat: 59 percent: The percentage of Americans who say they have little to no confidence in the public’s political wisdom.

Story: As the new year—and an election year—begins, we turn to data on our democracy to learn more about how Americans view institutions and civic life today. Host Dan LeDuc speaks with Michael Dimock, president of the Pew Research Center, about the latest research on trust, facts, and democracy in America.

Listen here  https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2020/01/10/the-state-of-trust-facts-and-democracy

PEW: The State of Trust, Facts, and Democracy

FM #200 - Pellegri and Bissanti on PO Box issue

FM #200

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 200 in the series, that we are now producing in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

Town Councilors Debbie Pellegri and Andy Bissanti joined me in the Franklin studio to talk about the drive through postal mailboxes at the Post Office in downtown Franklin.

After we sat to record this, the Boston Globe published an article on the Post Office and law enforcement agency efforts to address fishing for mail. As you hear in the interview, this is one of the two reason for the Post Office moving the mailboxes in the drive up.

"A task force of investigators from multiple police departments are working with the US Postal Service to crack down on thieves who are stealing mail from blue mailboxes in the Greater Boston area and communities in Eastern Massachusetts, authorities said.

“It’s out of control,” said Wellesley Detective Mark D’Innocenzo. “It’s very widespread.”

There are currently 15 to 20 open investigations in Wellesley alone, he said.

The thieves go “mailbox fishing,” typically using string attached to a glue mouse trap or a plastic bottle covered with sticky glue to pull envelopes out of mailboxes. They then “wash” (i.e. erase the writing) on personal checks, rewrite them and cash them, and use the victim’s bank account information to forge even more checks, he said."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/02/04/metro/police-departments-mass-targeting-thieves-stealing-mail-out-mailboxes/

Without further ado, here is the recording for the meeting approx 17 minutes

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-200-pellegri-bissanti-on-po-box-issue

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Contact information for the individual Town Councilors https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council

Send a single message to ALL the Town Councilors
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/webforms/send-message-entire-council


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I 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 this, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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"

FM #200 - Pellegri and Bissanti on PO Box issue

Franklin Public Schools: An Important Message from the Superintendent

January 10, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

The e-mail that follows this brief message was sent earlier today to high school families and we feel it is important to share it with all Franklin parents/guardians. The video to which we refer may also be circulating among students at other grade levels.

We wish to take the opportunity to emphasize the District's core value of inclusivity and our emphasis and commitment to making our schools safe and welcoming for all.

Counselors, administrators and trusted adults are available to support all students. Additionally, we ask for your help in discussing appropriate use of social media with your children.  Please read the message below.

Regards,
Sara Ahern
Superintendent

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January 10, 2020

Dear Franklin High School Families,

We are writing to make you aware of a concerning video that has been circulating among students on social media.  This video contains statements that are profoundly offensive based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.  We condemn such statements; they violate our core value of inclusivity and threaten the safe and welcoming environment we have committed to provide for each student, family, and our faculty/staff.

The administration promptly initiated an investigation based on our protocol of responding to incidents of hate and bias. Please know that a big part of our response is ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff.  Counselors, administrators, and other trusted adults are available to anyone who feels they need support.

We ask families to talk with their children regarding the appropriate use of social media and if your child has received a copy of the video, to delete it, as continued sharing perpetuates deep hurt across the community.

If you would like a resource to assist you in talking with your child, these links may help:

Free Library of Philadelphia -- Resources for Responding to Hate
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/3031

American Psychological Association "Talking to Kids about Discrimination" https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/kids-discrimination

Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.

Sincerely,

Paul Peri                Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D.
Principal                Superintendent of Schools

Franklin Public Schools: An Important Message from the Superintendent

Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry's Social Media

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry's Social Media Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today restated the importance he places on the Registry's use of social media platforms to communicate directly with the citizens of Norfolk County. "At the Registry of Deeds," noted O'Donnell, "we put a lot of emphasis on communicating with Registry users on a 24/7 basis. Just because our doors close at the end of the business day doesn't mean the Registry has to stop working for you. For example, our website www.norfolkdeeds.org lets people view scanned images of over 8 million land documents dating back to 1793, as well as learning about our latest consumer protection programs. I also want people to know that Registry information is available not just from using their workstation or laptops, but also from their smartphones or tablets." The Register further noted that you can print out an application of the popular Homestead Act. A Homestead provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. Norfolk County residents can also sign-up on-line for its free Consumer Notification Service. This program will alert a person anytime a land document has been recorded against their name in Norfolk County. Additionally, there is valuable county real estate information that can be researched and tracked based on the monthly and quarterly real estate statistical reports, such as the number of residential and commercial properties sold, and the average prices of property sold. Besides the Registry website, other forms of social media utilized by the Registry of Deeds include Facebook, facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, Twitter, twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds, and Instagram. "The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds," noted the Register, "has utilized Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to provide information to the general public. By utilizing these platforms, Norfolk County residents can learn more about home ownership and other consumer initiatives like protecting themselves against Deed Scam rip-offs, along with other outreach services, including learning about Registry office hours in their local community." The Registry has also filmed multiple public service announcements (PSA's) which are available on the Registry's website and YouTube. These PSA's have touched on a variety of issues such as assistance for residents who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Videos highlighting the Registry's various philanthropic initiatives, such as its Annual Holiday Food Drive, Toys for Tots campaign, and its Suits for Success program, which helps people who are attempting to re-enter the workforce, can also be viewed. Concluding, Register O'Donnell stated, "My office recognizes the value of using social media platforms to forward important information to Norfolk County residents. If you have questions related to real property, I urge you to take a look at our social media offerings." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry's Social Media