Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Franklin, MA: Town Council - shortened agenda for March 19, 2020

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, only Council members and authorized members of the staff will be allowed in the Council Chambers/Municipal Building. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, we will have a hotline for citizens to call during the meeting and ask questions/voice concerns.
Call-In Phone Number: 508-553-4826


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. 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. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
a. Coronavirus Update and Discussion

4. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

  • a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854: Changes to §185-40. Water Resource District - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
  • b. Resolution 20-17: Acceptance of Conservation Restriction to Protect Well 3A (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-17 - Majority Vote)
  • c. Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-855 to a second reading - Majority Vote)
  • d. Bylaw Amendment 20-856: Chapter 82, Sewer Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-856 to a second reading - Majority Vote)
  • e. Bylaw Amendment 20-857: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-857 to a second reading - Majority Vote)



5. ADJOURN


An updated version has been made available for tonight's meeting
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-19-town-council-agenda

revised on the ToF page as of 11:17 AM 3/19/20 (updated here at 11:55 AM)


You can find the shortened agenda online at the Town of Franklin
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-03-20_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - shortened agenda for March 19, 2020
Franklin, MA: Town Council - revised agenda for March 19, 2020

Senator Becca Rausch: CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #4

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #4
Wednesday, March 18, 2020


Friends,

COVID-19 Update #4 of what I’m sure will be many more updates about COVID-19. This update contains: the latest COVID-19 updates from Beacon Hill, the legislative work I’m leading to support all of our towns and cities during the pandemic period, today’s push from me and more than 30 of my legislative colleagues for Governor Baker to take more robust action to protect public health, and suggestions for how you can be part of the solution by helping your community.

In an effort to make all the news and accurate information on the coronavirus a little easier to follow, my staff and I are compiling a page with the latest COVID-19 updates from Beacon Hill on my website. Please bookmark the page - we will update this list of actions taken by the state government two or three times each week, with a date stamp and links to official sources.

Keeping our town governments functioning and planning for elections in a time of necessary social distancing is vital to safeguarding our democracy. As the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, I am at the heart of this legislative work, which is happening almost around the clock. Here’s what you can do to help: review H.4572, An Act to address challenges in town governance resulting from COVID-19. Send any comments or input you have to me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov and my House counterpart, Chair Jim O'Day, at James.ODay@mahouse.gov. Due to COVID-19, the State House is closed to the public so we are accepting written testimony only. All testimony is due by 12PM tomorrow, Thursday, March 19. This deadline will be strictly enforced.

Continue reading Update #4
https://mailchi.mp/ae40a9ec176c/covid19-update-12267110

Senator Becca Rausch: CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #4
Senator Becca Rausch: CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #4

FPS: Family letter Keeping the Learning Alive - Mar 17, 2020

March 17, 2020
 
Dear Families,

We hope that you are doing well as we all navigate this unprecedented time in education and society. We hope that the information below provides some guidance in “Keeping the Learning Alive” at home. This information was also shared with teachers today and our purpose in sharing it with you is to ensure that students and families are on the same page with regard to expectations. 

There is no one right answer as to how to do this but we share a common goal: we all wish the very best for our students while they are not in school. Flexibility is key as things continue to change and shift. We will continue to communicate directly with you and encourage you to reach out via email to your child’s teacher(s) or principal if you have questions or comments. Together, we will get through this!

This letter will be translated into multiple languages and posted to our webpage on March 18, 2020.

Counseling Support
INTERFACE Referral Service
This is a stressful time and support is available to you and your family. If someone in your Franklin family, including your child is in crisis, where they are a threat to themselves or others, you should call 911. As always, if you feel that someone in your Franklin family, including your child would benefit from outpatient mental health services we encourage you to utilize the INTERFACE Referral Service (https://interface.williamjames.edu/community/franklin), which is free to all Franklin residents.

Teaching and Learning
Logistical Items:
1. Report Cards (Pre-K and Elementary)
  • a. Report cards will be generated and sent home upon return to school.
  • b. Progress reports will also be sent home upon return from school.
2. Grading
  • a. Grading is suspended until we return from school. Teachers may provide feedback on anything students choose to share electronically while out of school.
  • b. Teachers have been asked to complete any grading for assignments that were turned in on or by Thursday, March 12. If appropriate, feedback will be sent to students and families electronically.
  • c. Report card dates, etc. will be reviewed and revised as needed upon return to school

Expectations of Teachers for Keeping the Learning Alive  
Communication:

1. Teachers and principals will be checking their email daily. Responses should come to you in a reasonable period of time, but please understand that they too are dealing with the impacts of the Coronavirus in their own homes.

2. Teachers will be reaching out to students and families to reconnect. We have asked that they establish a predictable, routine check-in process. We believe that it is critical that students and teachers maintain the connections that have been formed. Relationships are the most important aspect of the home/school partnership, especially during times of stress, such as this unusual extended closure of school.

3. You may also hear from school adjustment counselors, special education teachers, specialists, Unified Arts teachers, etc. Again, the goal is to maintain connections with our students. Your help in facilitating this is greatly appreciated.

4. If you have a specific need that we can help with, please email or reach out to your child’s teacher(s) or principal. We are here to help and support both students and families. We care deeply about and miss our students.

Instruction:
1. The goal of “Keeping Learning Alive” is to provide enrichment opportunities and resources to students and families. There is to be no NEW or forward instruction during the time that we are out of school. While we are working to allow for Chromebook borrowing and connecting families to low cost Internet access, not all students have the learning support they need to complete/learn new work. Therefore, the emphasis is on enrichment, practice, and depth.

2. You will shortly begin to see teachers sharing resources with you to “Keep Learning Alive”. These resources may come from the new FPS Learning page (https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fpscommunitylearningresource/home), DESE curated resources (coming soon), or from the teacher/team/grade.
  • a. This is not online coursework; it is enrichment and alternative learning opportunities.

3. We are not transferring responsibility for learning or homeschooling to families.

4. These activities are optional for families and student participation is not required. We do encourage it, to the extent possible for your family.

5. We do encourage you to set a regular routine with your children and hope that you will choose to participate in some of the activity suggestions coming your way. A sample schedule for younger children is shared on the family resources section of the FPS Learning page.

6. The materials you receive will not replicate a regular school day.

7. Please connect with your child’s principal if you need Internet access. There are some low-cost options available to you.

Our faculty is eager to connect with students and is/has been actively planning from home to make resources available to children. For us, it was so heartwarming and uplifting to connect with hundreds of our educators across the district during two live virtual calls earlier today. We are all invested in supporting students during this difficult time.

For questions about the FPS Learning Plan, please contact your child’s teacher, principal, or Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, Dr. Joyce Edwards (edwardsj@franklinps.net).

Student Services
New Referrals/Initial Eligibility:

We, along with other schools in the Commonwealth, will freeze evaluation, referral, and individual education plan distribution timelines for all students in a referral cycle during school closure. This means that as soon as schools open again, the timelines will commence as is required by state and federal regulations.

Annual Reviews/Evaluations in Process:
We, along with other schools in the Commonwealth, will freeze evaluation, annual review, and individual education plan distribution timelines for all students on IEPs and 504s during school closure. This means that as soon as schools open again, the timelines will commence as is required by state and federal regulations. Team Chairs will be working with families to understand the impact of the closure on students and to reschedule meetings.

Home ABA Services:
Home ABA services funded by Franklin Public Schools will be suspended until further notice.

Home/Hospital Tutoring:
Home and Hospital Tutoring occurs outside of the school buildings, and as such, families can decide whether or not they will allow tutoring staff into their homes. As a practice, Franklin Public Schools does not provide tutoring when school is not in session. For students currently receiving home or hospital tutoring, please understand that our ability to send contracted service providers into homes is contingent upon student’s and staff’s perceived health and wellness in accordance with state and CDC guidelines.

OOD/Residential Placements:
For students in Out-of-District day or residential placements, Franklin Public Schools will follow the attendance recommendations of the individual school or facility. If the Out-of-District day school is in session, we will continue to transport your child.

365 Day Residential Placements:
For students in 365-day residential placements, Franklin Public Schools will follow the attendance recommendations of the individual school or facility.

For Questions about Student Services, please contact your child’s special education liaison, service provider, principal, or the Director of Student Services, Ms. Paula Marano (maranop@franklinps.net).

English Language Development
Teachers from the English as a Second Language Department will be reaching out to families with information and supportive materials later this week.

Once again, we cannot stress enough that our goal for this time out of school is to maintain the positive relationships we have with students. We are here to help and welcome your comments and suggestions. This situation is new for all of us and your collaboration is encouraged and welcomed. Please take care of yourself and your family.

Respectfully,

Franklin Public Schools


Download a copy of this letter here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-1xpSYgda_MR1RT0TQ6t7fMq33LBbD2a/view?usp=sharing

As noted above, this letter will be translated into multiple languages and posted to the Town of Franklin page on March 18, 2020
 
FPS: Family letter Keeping the Learning Alive - Mar 17, 2020
FPS: Family letter Keeping the Learning Alive - Mar 17, 2020

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - agenda - Mar 18 - 5:30 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building

355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor Council Chambers Franklin, MA

March 18, 2020 - 5:30 PM


Announcements:
This meeting may be recorded by audio or video.


Discussion:
  1. Lot Line Clean up #4: Lots near Beaver Street and Oak Street Area.
  2. Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw Proposal.


This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-03-18_edc_agenda_1.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - agenda - Mar 18 - 5:30 PM
Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - agenda - Mar 18 - 5:30 PM

Franklin Cultural Council: elementray/middle school art challenge underway

The Franklin Cultural Council is doing an art challenge daily for elementary and middle school students. 

What will be today's challenge? Check their Facebook page the post should be there at 7 AM   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/



Day 1 challenge
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1106833283003831?

Day 1 - winners
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1107584372928722?

Day 2 challenge
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1106842906336202?

Day 2 - winners
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1108472259506600?

Franklin Cultural Council - elementary/middle school art challenge underway
Franklin Cultural Council:  elementary/middle school art challenge underway

Fresh air is good for us, get out to the woods/trail for a walk

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
“I have some good news. Nature is not canceled,” said Bonnie Combs, marketing director for the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. “Fresh air and sunshine are good for you. Just practice social distancing.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200317/coronavirus-pushes-people-outdoors

The SNETT trail is good walking here in Franklin more info on their page
https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

DelCarte Open Space on Pleasant St is always a good choice for me. Find more trail maps and info about other options in Franklin here
https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/files/fields-playgrounds

on a trail in the Franklin Town Forest (off Summer St) recently
on a trail in the Franklin Town Forest (off Summer St) recently


Urban Air Bellingham - temporarily closed

"Exactly two years ago today, Urban Air Bellingham opened its doors for the very first time.

On that day, we woke up to a couple feet of snow on the ground and a huge line of people wrapped around the building waiting to welcome us to the community. For me and Chad, it was the culmination of nearly two years of work, preparation, anxiety and anticipation. We put our lives on the line for this crazy endeavor and we had no idea what to expect.

But you showed up. You came early and you came often. You jumped on the trampolines and flew on the Sky Rider. You scaled the Climbing Walls and conquered the Warrior Course. You trusted us to host the most important days of the year for your children and watched in awe as they overcame their fears and made it to the top of the wall. You let us know when we were succeeding and how we could improve. You stuck with us and made us better.

The overwhelming support of this community is something I treasure deeply and will never take for granted. The people I have met and the relationships I have created are beyond anything I could have imagined. There’s no better feeling than walking through the park and seeing the wide-eyed faces of our guests as they make lasting memories with their families and friends. It’s something I can’t wait to see again soon.

We have been incredibly fortunate to have a staff of wonderful, caring team members. Many of them have been with us since the doors opened two years ago and have become familiar faces to you. They greeted you when you arrived, hosted your parties, encouraged your children and served your food. They are the lifeblood of Urban Air and we could not survive without them. I love seeing the emails, reviews and recommendations that tell me how terrific our staff is.

This last week has been a big blur. Chad and I were constantly discussing the fast-moving Coronavirus situation and we struggled about how to proceed. Last Friday afternoon - with a full weekend of parties booked - we realized we could no longer guarantee a safe space for you and your family, so we made the difficult decision to close, even though many of our competitors decided to stay open. This decision upset many of our guests, and they told us so! But we are local guys with young families, and we treat you, our guests, the way we would our own family. That means protecting you at all costs. It also meant temporarily closing our family business.

As I’ve said many times over the last week, if you are going to talk the talk, you must walk the walk. It took days for the rest of our competitors to follow our lead, but they did eventually join us by closing down.

One thing I have learned over these last two years is that this community looks out for each other. We will get through this together. We will take care of each other. We will make sure nobody gets left behind. This isn’t what we had in mind when we were thinking about how to celebrate our second anniversary, but this is our reality, and it will make us stronger. We will celebrate together one day soon.

Thank you for coming to Urban Air. Thank you for your smiles, your birthday parties, your special occasions, your family outings. Thank you for being there for us. We are here for you."

Stay safe and well,
Andy Powell
Owner, Urban Air Bellingham


3D Park Tour! >>> tinyurl.com/UrbanAir3DTour

 
Urban Air Bellingham - temporarily closed
Urban Air Bellingham - temporarily closed

Drew Conrad gets National Gold Medal

Brenna M. Johnson shares the good news:
"Amazing! Drew Conrad was just awarded a National Gold Medal for his ceramics portfolio by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers who present the Scholastic Art Awards.
He is 1 of 16 students that have been selected for this award!"
Shared from Twitter
https://twitter.com/johnsonb_ms/status/1239604998570422272

One of four photos shared in the Tweet noted here
One of four photos shared in the Tweet noted here

“We are calling this movement ‘United We Move’ "

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Some gyms across the nation are closing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t workout. Planet Fitness, one of the nation’s largest chain gyms, is offering free online classes starting today, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The at-home workouts began streaming on the company’s Facebook page March 16. These classes are open to anyone, including non-members.

“Our daily routines have changed in unexpected ways, and we know that people may not be able to get to the gym. That’s why we’re offering a free, daily virtual fitness class for everyone on Planet Fitness’ Facebook page from Monday through Friday,” said Jeremy Tucker, chief marketing officer of Planet Fitness, in a statement to USA TODAY.

The workouts will be live-streamed at 7 p.m. ET each day for the next two weeks. And if you can’t make it live, the workouts will be available on-demand on Facebook and in Planet Fitness’ YouTube channel. No equipment is needed, and the classes last 20 minutes or less."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200317/planet-fitness-to-offer-free-at-home-workout-classes-via-live-stream

Catch a Jamie Barrett live YouTube concert at 4 PM, prepare and have dinner,  change to exercise at 7:00, catch the FSPA live Facebook at 7:30ish... time can start to fly by...
 
“We are calling this movement ‘United We Move’ "
“We are calling this movement ‘United We Move’ "

Franklin Downtown Partnership - cancellations Mar 20, Apr 2

The Franklin Downtown Partnership's Networking Breakfast on March 20 and its General Meeting on April 2 have been canceled. 

Please stay healthy during these unsettling times.

Franklin Downtown Partnership - cancellations Mar 20, Apr 2
Franklin Downtown Partnership - cancellations Mar 20, Apr 2


Shared from the FDP Facebook page

Temple Etz Chaim - to hold services virtually

Until further notice, Temple Etz Chaim will be holding services virtually during the COVID-19 emergency (no in person services at all).

To access the livestream, go to: https://temple-etzchaim.org/live


Temple Etz Chaim - to hold services virtually
Temple Etz Chaim - to hold services virtually

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

From the Twitterverse: things to do in this pandemic time

From the Twitterverse: things to do in this pandemic time

#1
"FPAC presents Great Performances...At Home! Tune into our Facebook page at 7:30 pm EST every day this week for a LIVE mini-performance by an FPAC Favorite! Kicking us off tonight: Nick Paone! See you at 7:30!"

https://twitter.com/fpac_online/status/1239649440996212736?s=20

Late for this one as it was for Monday, tune in and find out who it is for Tuesday!

FPAC presents Great Performances...At Home!
FPAC presents Great Performances...At Home!


For History and AP Government fans, pick your bracket to play along with Mr Walsh

#2
Happy #SelectionSunday! Optional #APGov assignment: make picks for Most Influential Advisor in typical prez administration. If your Final 4-Champ match mine, I buy you breakfast when we return.Turn in on G Classroom. Others, feel free to play for fun!

The original tweet:
https://twitter.com/MockWalsh/status/1239283348335460359?s=20

#3

Happy #SelectionSunday! Optional #US2 assignment: make picks for Most Significant Civil Rights Era Event. If your Final 4-Champ match mine, I buy you breakfast when we return.Turn in on G Classroom. Others, feel free to play for fun!
  • The worksheet:
 https://docs.google.com/document/d/155x3QWwSkYO6psCj30bNQSmmBIY45ppNto8m_KFo2Wk/edit
The original tweet:
https://twitter.com/MockWalsh/status/1239284002122588161


"Coronavirus Is Our Future" | Alanna Shaikh | TEDxSMU

Have you wondered about where COVID-19 came from? What is a coronavirus? If you recall SARS and MERS, these were also coronavirus.

The best 16 minutes I've spent to get the background and valid info I have seen on the coronavirus.
"Global health expert Alanna Shaikh talks about the current status of the 2019 nCov coronavirus outbreak and what this can teach us about the epidemics yet to come.
Alanna Shaikh is a global health consultant and executive coach who specializes in individual, organizational and systemic resilience. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in public health from Boston University. She has lived in seven countries and it the author of What’s Killing Us: A Practical Guide to Understanding Our Biggest Global Health Problems. Recent article publications include an article on global health security in Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper and an essay in the Annual Review of Comparative and International Education. She blogs on coaching and personal resilience at www.thisworldneedsbrave.com.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Video link - https://youtu.be/Fqw-9yMV0sI





Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_East_respiratory_syndrome-related_coronavirus 

 
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severe_acute_respiratory_syndrome_coronavirus_2

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $10 Million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund

Small businesses impacted by COVID-19 will have access to capital assistance
"Today (3/16/20), the Baker-Polito Administration announced economic support for small businesses with a $10 million loan fund to provide financial relief to those that have been affected by COVID-19.

The $10 million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund will provide emergency capital up to $75,000 to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits. Loans are immediately available to eligible businesses with no payments due for the first 6 months. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) has capitalized the fund and will administer it.

“As our administration continues to take steps to protect the health and safety of residents, we recognize the hardships facing the small businesses that create the foundation of the state’s economy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This recovery loan fund is a new resource to help small businesses address emergency needs due to the disruption caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”
Continue reading the article
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-10-million-small-business-recovery-loan-fund


How to Apply:


Baker-Polito Administration announced economic support for small businesses
Baker-Polito Administration announced economic support for small businesses


Announcement video link => https://youtu.be/FfzIhhGQKrI


MBTA Commuter Rail announces "2020 Reduced Service Schedule"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"With many workers staying home or heeding advice to avoid crowds, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is implementing changes to service.

Starting Tuesday, the agency will adjust the frequency of service on subway and bus lines. Commuter Rail schedules will be reduced and ferries will be canceled.

“While some of these changes are inconvenient, they maintain a responsible balance between protecting the health and safety of the MBTA workforce and our customers, and our goal of continuing to run safe and reliable service without major disruptions,” MBTA general manager Steve Poftak said in a statement."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200316/mbta-and-commuter-rail-to-implement-schedule-changes-tuesday-in-effort-to-curb-coronavirus-spread


The revised schedule effective March 17
https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2020-winter/2020-cr-reduced-franklin-accessible.pdf


MBTA Commuter Rail annouces "2020 REDUCED SERVICE SCHEDULE"
MBTA Commuter Rail announces "2020 REDUCED SERVICE SCHEDULE"

LIVE (Remote!) Concerts by Jamie Barrett

Howdy, folks!

Lots of LIVE concerts coming (remotely) too you soon for FREE on my YouTube Channel!

Click HERE to go to my YouTube Page:


LIVE (Remote!) Concerts by Jamie Barrett
LIVE (Remote!) Concerts by Jamie Barrett
Be sure to click 'Subscribe' and ring the bell 🔔 so that you don't miss any of my upcoming shows!

Once again, that's:


Thanks, everyone!

Jamie 🎸

Senior Center: April Veterans Coffee Social CANCELLED!

APRIL COFFEE SOCIAL CANCELLED!


The April 1, 2020 Veterans Coffee Social has been cancelled due to concerns about the Coronavirus.

Be well and stay tuned for updates!

Senior Center: April Veterans Coffee Social CANCELLED!
Senior Center: April Veterans Coffee Social CANCELLED!

Enhancing Your Economic Security - May 7

Lifelong Community Learning is pleased to announce a special one-night expert panel discussion – "Enhancing Your Economic Security". The workshop, scheduled for Thursday, May 7, at Franklin High School is FREE and open to the public but registration is required. 

Whether you are part of the “Sandwich Generation” caring for both your children and your parents, or just trying to plan your next life stage, we’ve got you covered with this interactive panel discussion. We will discuss how to find a balance between competing financial priorities, help you plan ahead, and give you ways to cope with current obligations as well as future possibilities. 

Panel members will include a senior services expert, a financial advisor, a realtor, an investment manager, an attorney, and a visiting nurse practitioner.
After the presentation, participants will have a opportunity to meet the panelists one-on-one while refreshments are served.

For more information, go to www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com and click on Lifelong Community Learning. Or call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1480.

ABOUT US: Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing diverse and enriched education and experiences for all area residents and children – a resource for all ages.

Enhancing Your Economic Security - May 7
Enhancing Your Economic Security - May 7

In the News: Stop& Shop opens early hours for seniors; Polar Park gets first steel beams

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"Massachusetts-based grocery store Stop & Shop, with locations in Milford, Framingham and other area towns, announced it would begin offering special shopping times to accommodate and protect older customers.

“Effective on Thursday, March 19, Stop & Shop will create hours specifically geared to accommodate customers 60 and older,” the company said in a statement. “Stop & Shop stores will open from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. ONLY for customers over the age of 60 who the CDC and local health officials say are most vulnerable.”

The company said it was making the decision to allow community members in this age category to shop in a less crowded environment, which better enables social distancing.

Stop & Shop said it would not be requesting ID for entry, but added that they hope everyone would respect the purpose of the early opening, and “do the right thing for our older neighbors.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200316/stop-amp-shop-offering-special-hours-for-coronavirus-high-risk-shoppers/1

https://stopandshop.com/
https://stopandshop.com/


"The first pieces of steel went skyward in Polar Park Monday and changed Worcester Red Sox president Dr. Charles Steinberg’s image of what will be come April 2021.

Before this, Steinberg couldn’t see much beyond the weeds, cracked asphalt and rocks above Madison Street that preceded what is becoming a ballpark.

“The vision is Larry Lucchino and Janet Marie Smith,” said Steinberg, while standing just above where the WooSox bullpen will be along the first base line. “They have 3D architectural talent that I don’t have. I imagine the cotton candy and the Cracker Jacks. I imagine where your seats will be and how many jalapeños are on your nachos.

“Larry and Janet Marie have that visual ability to see what could be, and they did it with Camden Yards. Larry had that vision, and Janet Marie was able to translate it to the architects. Larry had the vision of Petco Park in San Diego, and I did not. That’s not my area.”


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200316/first-steel-goes-up-at-worcesters-polar-park

MBTA: Franklin Line schedule change - (surprise!) weekend shuttle buses through April

Starting Tuesday, March 17 and until further notice, the Franklin Line will operate on a reduced schedule on weekdays in the interest of the health and safety of our riders and employees. 

Schedule details: mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin.

Weekends, through April, Franklin Train service is replaced by free buses between Forge Park/495 and Readville for a Fairmount Line connection while PTC is installed. There will be no service at Back Bay, Ruggles, Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot.

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin


Last Updated: Mar 16 2020 04:06 PM

MBTA: Franklin Line schedule change - (surprise!) weekend shuttle buses through April
MBTA: Franklin Line schedule change - (surprise!) weekend shuttle buses through April

Monday, March 16, 2020

Franklin Food Pantry: Coronavirus Update - March 16, 2020

"We want to thank our community for the amazing show of support that they have shown us over the past few days. We're so grateful for your donations to help us to continue to serve our neighbors through this crisis.
The Coronavirus poses an even bigger health threat to our community's most vulnerable populations - low-income individuals and senior citizens - who can't afford to miss work or an extra trip to the grocery store. With schools closed and many people out of work, we expect to see an increased need for our services. If you haven't had an opportunity and are able to donate, we'd appreciate your help. You can easily donate online. Thank you again for your support.

While our doors will still be open to all who need us, we are making some changes to ensure safety among our guests. We are limiting those who enter The Pantry. Effective immediately we are suspending our volunteer hours and will have less staff working. We will offer no shopping within The Pantry.
Instead, we ask that our neighbors keep their appointments and drive up to The Pantry and a staff member will bring prepackaged bags to their car or through walk up services. We will offer the prepackaged bags through April 6 and will reevaluate the situation then.

We are working closely with town officials and school administration to get the word out to the community that we are here for those that need us and also to discuss programs, such as the weekend backpack program, that are impacted by school closures. We will keep the community updated as plans are finalized.
In addition we also will be postponing two of our large Spring fundraising events: The Party for The Pantry and Empty Bowls. We know many of you look forward to these events and we will keep you updated when we are able to reschedule them. Thank you to our Sponsors for their support.
Please follow us on Facebook for regular updates.
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry/

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at lcalling@franklinfoodpantry.org"

Regards,

Lynn Calling
Executive Director
Franklin Food Pantry

Shared from the "Coronavirus Update - March 16, 2020"
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/coronavirus-update-march-16-2020/


Franklin Food Pantry: Coronavirus Update - March 16, 2020
Franklin Food Pantry: Coronavirus Update - March 16, 2020

Town of Franklin: Coronavirus Department by Department - Customer Services Update

Updated: March 16, 2020 4:00 PM

Coronavirus Department by Department
Customer Services Update

Based on the information provided in Governor Baker’s press conference this evening, effective today, March 16, 2020, the Franklin Town and School Administration offices, as well as all Franklin public buildings will be closed to the public through April 6th, 2020.

While the Municipal Building and other departments are closed for direct, in-person service, staff will be available for all regular business activities via phone, email and our online services center at www.franklinma.gov

For an emergency, please continue to dial 911.

Call the Statewide hotline at 211 or visit www.mass211.org for the most up-to-date information.

Reminder of Best Practices
All employees, whether at work or at home, should read CDC guidelines for personal hygiene and social distancing. These are the most important things any employee can do to help stop the spread and transmission of the coronavirus (or any virus!).

Center for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus/

Most up to date information in at the Town of Franklin website https://www.franklinma.gov/


Continue reading the update below or download your own copy of the PDF file:  
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t3i902Q8pe9yQLYCrnqVjTdBYXZkjDuN/view?usp=sharing



https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here