Board of Health designates agent for Tobacco control & appoints alternate for Metacomet Health (audio)

FM #1372 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1372 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 5, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet. 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 designation of Mass Health Office Association (MHOA) as the tobacco control agent for the town. Motion approved by 2-0 vote via roll call

• Discussion on the new MEtacomet Advisory Board oversight board and need to appoint an alternate contact in addition to Director Liberty. Motion made to appoint Kerry McKay as advisory board alternate board member and approved 2-0

• Healthy brains program for 2025. Kick off with a podcast to be scheduled. Increase awareness, provide resources, in advance of the onset of dementia and other brain afflictions. Focus initially at the Senior Center, Housing Authority, & Library. SAFE Coalition is close to getting their ‘mega brain’ display which can be walked through. Simulation dementia experience via hospital. Training possible for wait staff to assist with making that restaurant ordering process a less stressful experience 

• Health agent report, monthly training completed 

• COVID tests still available via the Health nurse at Senior Center, call to arrange pickup. Flu season; 80% of the cases occurred during January (folks actually getting tested, so still likely an undercount)

• Steve chimed in that he had a contact for the brain program will send info to Cathleen. Also the agenda doc link for the meeting was not clickable, it could be copied but wasn’t clickable

Motion to adjourn, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)

The meeting runs about 26 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Feb 5, 2025. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1372-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-02-05-25/

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1543  

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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!

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

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 designates agent for Tobacco control & appoints alternate for Metacomet Health  (audio)

Franklin Dept of Health: #GreatAmericanSpitOut

The #GreatAmericanSpitOut occurs every February. Smokeless tobacco, like chew and dip, has over 28 cancer causing substances that can typically lead to cancer of the mouth, esophagus, & pancreas. 

For more information on the effects of smokeless tobacco and how to quit today, visit: www.cdc.gov/tobacco 

Board of Health hears of Shaw's/AFC sushi issue, completes review of tobacco regulations - 06/-7/23 (audio)

FM #1006 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1006 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. All three board members participated; Harris & Cochrane (in person), Chair Sweet (remote). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 

Quick Recap:

• Vice Chair Tim Cochrane opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve minutes of May, second, passes 3-0

• Shaw’s/ AFC sushi issue addressed first; during regular inspection on Monday, it was revealed that testing of the rice was not being done, the individual couldn’t find the meter to perform the testing; operations were shut down. One Shaw’s rep, and one AFC rep participated in meeting; discussed steps taken to address issue, meter was on site apparently individual in question wasn’t aware of the location; 2 individuals to be staffed going forward, more oversight from Shaw’s to ensure AFC compliance with testing; assuming this is in place, the Board ok’s approval to re-open Thursday

• Picked up on remaining tobacco sales regulations discussions with Sarah from the State on the bridge to help work through the remaining items for discussion. Summary of regulation items to be prepared, public hearings to be scheduled, discussion offline on when those meetings would be given the summer months approaching

• Recap of the successful Spring Health Fair, over 680 participated at the library, visiting with 20 vendors, etc. Giveaways from Big Y and others made for lots of happy faces in the crowd. Work underway already to plan for the next one in the fall to keep this twice a year event happening

The meeting runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting June 7, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1007-tof-board-of-health-mtg-06-07-23

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_meeting_agenda_06.07.23.pdf 

Meeting packet (including individual reports) -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_meeting_060723_agenda_and_packet.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ikpMfi58S1iZTMm7eGEuEYuJvYeNuODH/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 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"

Town of Franklin - Board of Health - agenda for June 7, 2023 meeting at 5 PM

Weekly Wellness Update - World No Tobacco Day

Today (May 31, 2023)  is "World No Tobacco Day"! The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing more than 8 million people a year -tobacco kills up to half of its users! 

Find out tips and steps to quit smoking: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/ 

Weekly Wellness Update - World No Tobacco Day

 

Board of Health discusses potential changes to tobacco regulations, Health Fair set for May 24 (audio)

 FM #988 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 988 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. All three board members participated in person; Harris, Cochrane, & Chair Sweet. Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 

Quick Recap:

• Chair Bridget Sweet opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve mins of Apr, second, passes 3-0

• Old business, tobacco sales regulations discussion on cap, currently at 32, permitted at 21 (?) Reduce, or maintain. No interest in reduction at ...

• This time. #boh0503 3 of the 22 are adult only, could have dual caps, i.e. one for full sales, one for adult only. Desire for more info on what the neighboring communities are doing. Qs on 3,13,16,17 for checklist. consensus on unified approach for fines

• Level of discretion at Health Dept Director action, should there be more of a graduation clause? i.e. first time one set amount, second more, third more, etc... #boh0502 re: consistency of enforcement shall does better than may

• Currently do not have a permit for catering, may consider for future. Discussion on food truck, trailer permit for year vs. time of event #boh0502 discussion on mobile, temporary vs catering, issue with catering going to another town, other local may not want

• Discussion on protocol for notification of fee change, hearing notification cost, combine tobacco and body works for one hearing #boh0502 health fair, 5/24 3-6 PM flyers being spread, on Weds at the Library

• Health inspection report, 14 inspects, 14 reinspection, Council meeting 4/12 - health nurse report, numbers better around for COVID and flu, vaccine recommendation has been updated #boh0502

• Fundraiser for Gaspar family 5/10 at George's. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0

The meeting runs about 52 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting May 3, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-988-tof-board-of-health-mtg-05-03-23

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/boh_5.3.23_agenda_and_packet.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O8wbpzBkx6blhpAw3Di2eZ_eRZ5Gg_fz/view?usp=share_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 Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Board of Health discusses potential changes to tobacco regulations, Health Fair set for May 24 (audio)

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - agenda for May 3, 2023 meeting at 5 PM

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

● Reading and acceptance of April 5, 2023 meeting minutes

OLD BUSINESS

● Discuss tobacco 2023 sales regulation restricting the sale of tobacco and vape products  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sy9s8x8ajKGfifpMPxFDaXz2fpJ2LN6i/view?usp=share_link

NEW BUSINESS

● Review current permit options for food operations

● Fee for Bodyworks application discussion

● Discussion of Health fair on May 24, 2023

● Metacomet shared service grant regional inspector report

● Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report

● Metacomet shared service grant epidemiologist report

CITIZENS COMMENTARY

ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc and remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_05.03.23.docx.pdf

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - agenda for May 3, 2023 meeting at 5 PM

Board of Health hears guidance on tobacco regulation revisions, planning for next Health Fair, etc. (audio)

FM #952 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 952 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. All three board members participated, all 3 in the 3rd floor training room along with the Health Dept staff members.

Quick Recap:

• As reported in prior meeting, tobacco license holder checks mostly resulted in violations, primarily regarding paperwork and signage required. The first 40 or so minutes of this session was spent with Sarah McColgan who participated via remote to help walk through the checklist of what State regulations Franklin would change to increase (can’t go lower than the State but can go more restrictive). 

• The regulations will be drafted by the Health Dept based upon the discussion and brought to the Board for further review and discussion. Depending upon timing likely would need to schedule a public hearing before making the changes official. 

• Part of the regulations needs to make clear the role of the Police (assuming they continue to assist with enforcement) vs. the Health Dept

• Inspector’s report, Nurse’s report, Epidemiologist report all touting volume and some issues but nothing major. Decline in COVID cases, clinics held at Central Park Terrace, Tri-County RVTHS, etc. 

• Chair Sweet took time to thank the individuals for the work they are doing, they are expanding the awareness and having a positive  impact on the community

• Next Health Fair is scheduled for May 24 at the Library. Given the May date, Dean students would be off campus for the session, to help with parking and space concerns, maybe see if it can be held there.

The meeting runs about 55 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Feb 1, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-952-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-03-01-23

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/3-1-23_agenda.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KpTDdk8OmzKvAMUdw7SoJIQkyOyapC7Y/view?usp=share_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 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"

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Meeting Agenda - March 1, 2023 - 5 PM

Board of Health hears of tobacco compliance check failures, and possible update to Franklin's code - 02/01/23 (audio)

FM #932 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 329 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. All three board members participated, 2 in room, 1 remote (hence roll call votes). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 

Quick Recap:

• Tobacco holder checks mostly resulted in violations mostly regarding paperwork and signage required, most have been abated by now. Possible modification of the Town regulations to bring inline with the current State level, copy under review by department, hearing to be scheduled for the next mtg

• Inspector’s report, Nurse’s report, Epidemiologist report all touting volume and some issues but nothing major

• Health Care resources map & info added to Health Dept page -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7a79d8f9979f4709ad5b7311c91c8258 

The meeting runs about 23 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Feb 1, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-932-town-of-franklin-board-of-health-mtg-02-01-23

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/agenda_2-1-23.pdf 

Reflexology regulations as proposed

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/regulation_governing_the_practice_of_bodywork_draft_11-2-22.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uy9M0NJkAz_AWJ6buUInl9G6P5vQHsXK/view?usp=share_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 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"

Health Care resources map & info added to Health Dept page