Showing posts with label testing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label testing. Show all posts

Friday, June 21, 2024

Town of Franklin: RFP - Water Testing and Analysis

RFP - Water Testing and Analysis

In accordance with M.G.L. 30(B), section (6), it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to obtain services from a qualified Water Testing and Analysis Contractor.

Additional Information:  Water Testing and Analysis

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/rfp-water-testing-and-analysis

RFP = Request for Proposal

Town of Franklin: RFP - Water Testing and Analysis
Town of Franklin: RFP - Water Testing and Analysis



Thursday, May 16, 2024

Town of Franklin: Request for Proposals - Water Testing and Analysis

Request for Proposals - Water Testing and Analysis

In accordance with M.G.L. 30(B), section (6), it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to obtain services from a qualified Water Testing and Analysis Contractor.

Additional Information:  Request for Proposals - Water Testing and Analysis

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-proposals-water-testing-and-analysis

Town of Franklin: Request for Proposals - Water Testing and Analysis
Town of Franklin: Request for Proposals - Water Testing and Analysis


Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Give blood, help a great cause

Please call us at (508) 384-0033 to learn more about this COVID-19 research study and to enroll. 
We, at MRN Diagnostics, would like you to be a part of our journey in creating the next generation of diagnostic tests. Without individual contributors like you, these critical diagnostics tests will not be available to patients seeking rapid and accurate diagnoses. 
For more information on how you can take part, please contact us at (508) 384-0033 or email collections@mrndx.com

Give blood, help a great cause
Give blood, help a great cause

For additional info, listen to the my interview and discussion with MRN Diagnostics CEO Dr. Greg Chiklis. Our discussion was conducted on site at the MRN facility in the Forge Park Industrial Park.  

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Take part in a MRN Clinical Trial to build the repository & earn some compensation (audio)

FM #1073 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1073 in the series. 


This shares my interview and discussion with MRN Diagnostics CEO Dr. Greg Chiklis. Our discussion was conducted on site at the MRN facility in the Forge Park Industrial Park.


  • What is MRN’s mission? The role of the MRN’s Clinical Research Division 

  • About the clinical research studies that are currently available (Ageros, Leidos)

    • Studies are handled by an experienced team of clinical coordinators who follow stringent protocols to ensure the safety of our donors and the integrity of our studies

    • Donors will receive compensation for each study that they participate in

  • Create the Biorepository for future studies

  • How we can get involved in one or more of these clinical collections

    • For more information on how you can take part, please contact us at (508) 384-0033 or email collections@mrndx.com


The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Dr. Greg Chiklis. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1073-mrn-diagnostics-dr-greg-chiklis-10-05-23



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


Home page for MRD -> https://www.mrndx.com/ 


Clinical Collections Flyer -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PYwt2IFAnf6TYSQKQLyAWQZZDWPw87GL/view?usp=drive_link


How to donate to one of the collections -> https://www.mrndx.com/donor-home 


Clinical Compensation summary -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GBAv27U-0aGb7K5jAtnc2xchHBVHs8EU/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


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit franklin.news/ or 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"




Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours



Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By Colleen Tressler, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education

Starting September 25, you can order four free test kits per household through COVIDtests.gov.

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/09/free-covid-test-kits-are-back-heres-how-get-yours




Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours
Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours

Thursday, September 21, 2023

FEMA: reminder on nationwide emergency alert test - Oct 4

Upcoming nationwide emergency alert test
What: A one minute test alert on cell phones, radios, and TVs 
When: Wednesday, October 4, 2:20 PM  ET 
Why: To ensure systems are effective to warn the public about emergencies

Please share this info!


FEMA: reminder on nationwide emergency alert test - Oct 4
FEMA: reminder on nationwide emergency alert test - Oct 4

Saturday, August 5, 2023

FEMA & FCC announce national test of Wireless Emergency Alert - Oct 4 at 2:20 PM

FEMA (@fema) posted Thu, Aug 03, 2023:
"@FEMA and @FCC will conduct a national test of the Wireless Emergency Alert and the Emergency Alert System this fall. 
Cell phones, wireless devices, TVs and radios across the country will be sent a test alert around 2:20 pm on Oct 4."

additional details on the test: https://t.co/ke0EOoSYPK


Shared from -> https://t.co/QFet9BVXve


FEMA & FCC announce national test of Wireless Emergency Alert - Oct 4 at 2:20 PM
FEMA & FCC announce national test of Wireless Emergency Alert - Oct 4 at 2:20 PM

Sunday, July 30, 2023

Have you read the Town of Franklin water quality report?

Each year, the Water & Sewer Division produces the Consumer Confidence Report. This provides an overview of the water system and the testing performed regularly to ensure the quality of Franklin's drinking water.

post card announcing the water quality report
post card announcing the water quality report


The Consumer Confidence Reports for this year and prior years can be found on the Town's webpage.
The three part audio series on the Water system can be found here ->

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Making Sense of Climate: Ted & I start 2023 with a discussion on the recent news (audio)

FM #916 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 916 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Tuesday, January 10, 2023.  

In this episode we covered the following topics: 

Happy new year, catch up on happenings since we last talked

  • Healey, inauguration, Climate lead executive order

  • Rep Roy video from Museum of Science (wind turbine blade testing), Rep Roy & Senator Barrett on Codcast (wind troubles)

  • Fusion/ fission/ nuclear generated electrical power

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 48 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted.


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-916-making-sense-of-climate-21-01-10-23



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

  

Links to articles referenced:

Climate lead via Executive Order from Governor Healey

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/healey-signs-executive-order-on-climate/ 


Rep Roy video on wind turbine blade testing visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/museum-of-science-visit-mass-clean.html  


CodCast episode with Rep Roy and Senator Barrett

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/the-codcast-lawmakers-walk-tightrope-on.html 


ISO New England grid capacity around Christmas 2022

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/2023/01/07/iso-new-england-electricity-power-plant-fines-december-failure-oil-natural-gas-christmas-storm/69785296007/


Wind farm in Maine, MA to take advantage of

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/03/business/offshore-wind-falters-mass-makes-its-move-boost-giant-wind-farm-maine/ 



Fun article: driving for donuts to test electric vehicle charging stations availability

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/10/science/we-drove-around-new-england-looking-ev-chargers-best-doughnuts-it-was-easier-than-we-expected/


Fusion announcement 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/22/science/after-years-doubts-hopes-grow-that-nuclear-fusion-is-finally-real-could-help-address-climate-change/ 


See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.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/ 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"


Wind turbines atop Saddleback Mountain in Maine. ROBERT F. BUKATY/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wind turbines atop Saddleback Mountain in Maine. ROBERT F. BUKATY/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Monday, December 19, 2022

CommonWealth Magazine: "Marijuana content labels can’t be trusted - Testing reveals inconsistencies on THC, contaminants"

"ONE OF THE main arguments in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana was that consumers would have access to tested, regulated products, and know exactly what they are buying.

But a CommonWealth investigation reveals that the potency levels listed on websites and product labels at marijuana stores are regularly inflated, sometimes by as much as a third. The investigation also found that some products in Massachusetts cannabis stores tested positive for contaminants that would have kept them off the shelves if they were detected earlier because they were potentially unsafe for human consumption.

The findings suggest that marijuana consumers cannot rely with any confidence on product labels. Labs are performing tests using different technologies and methods, and growers are gravitating to labs that report the highest THC levels or pass the most samples for contaminants, even if their testing methods are not the most scientifically accurate. That, in turn, is creating incentives for labs to generate testing results with higher THC readings."
Continue reading the article online at CommonWealth Magazine ->
 
A marijuana sample is prepared for testing at Analytics Labs in Holyoke on November 30, 2022. (Photo by Shira Schoenberg)
A marijuana sample is prepared for testing at Analytics Labs in Holyoke on November 30, 2022. (Photo by Shira Schoenberg)

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Tabulator testing completed Wednesday, demonstrating the voting machines count what they should

"Wednesday morning, the Council Chambers at the municipal building became the scene of a mock election, as batches of ballots, marked up randomly, and in some cases very incorrectly, by a third party,  some with too many selections or markings out of the proper area, others no longer exactly flat.

The nine machines, one for each precinct, were put through their paces with the sample ballots by a crew of election workers and election wardens, all  under the eye of Town Clerk Nancy Danello and Assistant Town Clerk Dyan Fitzgerald. Also present was the Observer, Steve Sherlock from Franklin Matters (who recorded audio of the whole process) and a few members of the public."
Continue reading the Observer's recap ->
 
As noted, I am processing the audio of the testing session. Our Town Clerk Nancy Danello was happy to wear a microphone for the event so her outline of the process as well as many of the questions asked of her were captured and will be shared as soon as possible.

demonstrating the voting machines count what they should
demonstrating the voting machines count what they should


Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Tabulator/voting machine testing - October 26 at 9 AM

Our Town Clerk Nancy Danello has scheduled the tabulator/voting machine testing for Wednesday, Oct 26 at 9 AM in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building.

Observers welcome!
  • See for yourself how voting is paper ballot based
  • See how the machines have no connection to the internet
This is an opportunity to ask about how the vote is tabulated by the machine, cross checked manually, and then tallied in a spreadsheet to produce the 'unofficial results'. The Town Clerk then has time in the office to validate the checks, etc. to confirm and produce the 'official results'.

The testing was completed prior to the September primary and reported on previously: https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-clerks-office-completes-testing-of.html


All of our tabulators have been tested for accuracy & have been confirmed as ready for voters
All of our tabulators have been tested for accuracy & have been confirmed as ready for voters (Town of Franklin photo)

Friday, August 19, 2022

Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk: Ballot/ Tabulator testing will take place August 24, 2022.

Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk: Ballot/ Tabulator testing will take place August 24, 2022.

Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk:

Ballot/ Tabulator testing will take place on August 24th, 2022 at the Franklin Municipal Building in the 2nd floor Municipal Chambers at 9am. This testing is open to the public and all are more than welcome to attend.

Read more

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Franklin Health Department: COVID-19 Testing Kits Available

Franklin Health Department: COVID-19 Testing Kits Available

The Franklin Health Department received more home COVID-19 self test kits from the state. Franklin residents can call the Public Health Office at (508) 613-1341 to check for availability and coordinate curbside pick up outside of the Senior Center. Pick up hours are as follows...

- Mon, Tues, Thurs: 8AM-4PM

- Wednesday: 8AM-6PM

- Friday 8AM-1PM

There is a limited supply! One test per household member, first come first serve. Please direct all questions to the public health office at (508) 613-1341.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-health-department-covid-19-testing-kits-available

Franklin Health Department: COVID-19 Testing Kits Available
Franklin Health Department: COVID-19 Testing Kits Available

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Reminder: New set of COVID at home tests can be ordered

"The White House said on Tuesday (5/17/22) that Americans were now eligible for a third order of free, at-home coronavirus tests shipped through the Postal Service. The move doubled to 16 the total number of tests the program has made available to each household.

The tests, authorized by the Food and Drug Administration and available on the federal website covidtests.gov, extend a pledge President Biden made during the brunt of the winter Omicron wave, when Americans faced scarce supplies of tests, empty shelves and long lines."

Continue reading the article online

White House press release

Use this order form  COVID.GOV   
Frequently Asked Questions answered here -> https://www.covid.gov/tests/faq

Reminder: New set of COVID at home tests can be ordered
Reminder: New set of COVID at home tests can be ordered

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Town of Franklin - Health Department: COVID-19 Test Kits

Franklin Health Dept. received 68 At-Home COVID-19 test kits. Call 508-570-8433 for a free kit & location pickup.  
Limited Supply. 1 test per household member.

 

Town of Franklin - Health Department: COVID-19 Test Kits
Town of Franklin - Health Department: COVID-19 Test Kits

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Get over the counter COVID-19 tests at no cost

Get over the counter COVID-19 tests at no cost


Good news! Starting this week, you can get up to 8 over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month for free. You'll be able to pick up tests from eligible pharmacies and other participating healthcare providers.

Contact your local pharmacy to see if they are participating and to make sure they have tests available.

Learn More

Remember to bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card with you when you get your COVID-19 tests.

Over-the-counter at-home tests give rapid results and you can take them anywhere, regardless of your vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms. Visit CDC.gov to learn when to test yourself, how to use an over-the-counter test, and what your test results mean.

Sincerely,

The Medicare Team

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

MASS Consumer Affairs: "Protect Yourself from Fraudulent COVID-19 At Home Tests"

"Beyond knowing what signs to look for in COVID scams, there are a few steps to take to protect yourself from purchasing a fake COVID test online.

  1. Make sure that you are buying an FDA authorized test
  2. Do your research
  3. Pay with your credit card

To make sure that the test you are purchasing is FDA approved, see if it is on the FDA’s lists of approved antigen diagnostic tests or their list for molecular diagnostic tests. "


"Protect Yourself from Fraudulent COVID-19 At Home Tests"
 "Protect Yourself from Fraudulent COVID-19 At Home Tests"