Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka on Masks in Schools

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka on Masks in Schools 

 

Next month, almost a million children will return to Massachusetts K-12 public schools. Of these kids, nearly half will be under 12 years old and therefore ineligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before returning to the classroom. 

 

Throughout the spring and summer, I joined parents and teachers in the hope that our children could return to school with a sense of normalcy. With the rise of the highly contagious Delta variant, however, the situation is clear: COVID-19 case counts are rising. The number of deaths is once again rising, including among those who have been vaccinated. This means that we are not quite ready to return to our pre-pandemic 'normal.' 

 

Public health experts and the American Academy of Pediatrics agree that universal masking in schools is an effective way to keep our vulnerable children and residents safe as we continue to fight this global pandemic. Parents, school staff and students seek clear, consistent direction as the school year starts, and they deserve to get it from the state. That's why I am calling on the Baker Administration to require masks in school this fall. 

 

No one wants to go back to the dark early days of this public health crisis, and so we must do everything possible to keep people safe and our economy stable. Wearing a mask around vulnerable populations, including unvaccinated children and others, is a small and simple action we can take to do this.  

 

Our children deserve to learn, grow and thrive in a safe and healthy environment, free from the disruption, anxiety and fear of a COVID-19 outbreak in their school. Massachusetts residents have shown such amazing compassion, caring and resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to keep going until our youngest and most vulnerable can be vaccinated.  

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 020 - Climate Change

"In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the current climate crisis, projections, and what efforts the U.S. and the rest of the world need to make to keep things under control."

Direct link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/86371bcf-3816-42af-8a72-b1baf3fa8c25

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 020 - Climate Change

 

Cake Bar update - closing Aug 14 to re-open (TBD) with new owners

"Hi everyone! It is with sadness we inform you that The Cake Bar is closing its doors. We want to thank the town of Franklin, surrounding towns, and all our customers for your loyalty and friendship throughout the years. Our last day will be Saturday, August 14th, so come in to get your treats and smoothie bowls while they last.

We know you need your smoothie fix, so look for upcoming news about Sippin’ Smoothies and bowls on Facebook or Instagram! @sippinsmoothies   

(https://www.instagram.com/sippinsmoothies/)

The new owners will continue to provide you with beautiful, delicious custom cakes and cupcakes, and will also turn it into a wonderful place for breakfast and lunch. They will be shutting down for renovations but make sure to look for the grand opening in the fall! We’ll see you there and we can all give them a big welcome!

Thank you all so much - The Cake Bar"

Shared from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CSMlzSILutP/?utm_medium=copy_link

Cake Bar update - closing Aug 14 to re-open (TBD) with new owners

Franklin's Event Outlook: Aug 6 - Aug 12, 2021

Another busy day at the Town Common with the Farmers Market; music, kids crafts, "Touch a Tractor", and then Concerts on the Common with two music sets and a movie!

Friday, August 6
2:00pm - Farmers Market
3:30pm - Kids craft activity by Library Youth Services
5:00pm - Concerts on the Common: "David Penza"
6:00pm - Concerts on the Common: "Backyard Swagger"
8:00pm - Movie Night: Frozen II

Saturday, August 7
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)

Sunday, August 8
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

 

Community Calendar

Franklin Election 2021: What does the Board of Health do?

From the Annual Report of 2020 is this brief section on the Board of Health:

"The three-member elected Board of Health is the policy making arm for the Health Department. The board members assist in the drafting of public health bylaws and regulations. The board also presides over administrative hearings concerning health department licensed and permitted activities. The board members are utilized for consultation on issues relative to public health as well."

One position is up for election on November 2 for a 4 year term. The other positions will be up for election in 2 years. This staggers the membership to maintain institutional knowledge. The Board of Health Chair, Bridget Sweet current holds the seat up for election this year.

What does the Health Department do?

"The Franklin Health Department is charged with protecting the public health and well-being of the community, in accordance with federal, state and local public health laws and regulations. 

The Franklin Health Department's responsibilities include inspecting and permitting new and repaired/upgraded individual septic systems, witnessing percolation testing, biannual inspections of all food service and retail food establishments, investigating complaints of public health nuisances, enforcement of the state sanitary code relative to housing, licensing of children's recreational camps, inspection of semi-public swimming pools and spas, tanning salon and manicure/pedicure establishment inspections. The Health Department also issues permits for individual private drinking water and irrigation wells."

State Required Duties of the Board of Health can be found here 
http://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/state-required-duties-board-health

The Board of Health can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department


Find more information on the Franklin Election Nov 2, 2021 in the "election collection"  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.html

Franklin Election 2021: What does the Board of Health do?

Head's Up: MIAA has changed their high school scheduling system

Thanks to Medway Athletics (@MedwayAthletics) for tweeting earlier this week:

"Looking for Fall Schedules

The @MIAA033  has changed its scheduling system and the MIAA App is no longer being used.

Please visit the ArbiterLive link below (a work in progress)…
https://arbiterlive.com/   or directly for Franklin High School go to  https://arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=7918

More updates including iPhone/Android App coming soon. Please be patient."

Found via Twitter: https://twitter.com/MedwayAthletics/status/1422624455109533704?s=03   Note: I swapped out the Medway High link for the FHS link.

While we are on the MIAA webpage, what are the schedules for each of the seasons (as it stands now) for the 2021-2022 school year?   http://miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/MIAASportLimitations.pdf

Head's Up: MIAA has changed their high school scheduling system

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Design Review Commission

The purpose of the Design Review Commission (DRC) is to promote safe, functional, and attractive development of business and commercial areas to unify commercial properties, both visually and physically, with surrounding land uses and to protect and preserve the unique and cultural features within the Town. The Commission uses the Town codes and bylaws to ensure new developments and sign installations enhance the New England character of the Town’s commercial centers and thoroughfares. The DRC has approval authority on signage and recommendation input to the Planning Board on Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and Building Plans as to exterior design, colors, and materials.

The DRC is comprised of 5 regular members and 2 associate members. Currently there are vacancies on the Commission: one full time regular member and two associate members. All members are resident volunteers who are appointed by the Town Council. Current Commission members are Mark Fitzgerald, Chair, Chris Baryluk, Vice Chair, Samuel Williams, and James Bartro.

During FY20 the DRC reviewed and addressed several Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and exterior Building Plans as to elevations, design, colors, and materials. Reviews included projects such as the apartments at Dean Avenue Downtown. In addition, sign applications were received, hearings held, and decisions issued for over 50 signs during the past fiscal year.

Due to concerns regarding the Covid-19 virus, Design Review Commission Meetings are held remotely via Zoom. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting may do so by clicking on the Zoom link or by calling the phone number provided.

Meetings are held at 7:00 pm on two Tuesdays a month. Meeting times, dates, and agendas are posted on the Town’s website:  https://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission

Respectfully submitted, 

Mark Fitzgerald, Chair 

The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Design Review Commission

Hey Franklin, a COVID-19 vaccine clinic scheduled for Aug 25

COVID-19 vaccine clinic is scheduled for Aug 25, 2021 at Davis Thayer...

https://t.co/hgjnBleZTv

 

Schedule at this link ->  https://tinyurl.com/FranklinVAX

 

Schedule at this link ->  https://tinyurl.com/FranklinVAX

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1423320422423142407?s=03

Hey Franklin, a COVID-19 vaccine clinic scheduled for Aug 25

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 019 - Public Health

"In this episode, Frank and the group discuss public health, what's a right and what needs to be enforced, and why the government needs to play a part in protecting the public."

Direct link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c538de8f-70e4-4cc7-8682-14d75a0f6f1e

More Perfect Union - 019 - Public Health

COVID-19 Response Reporting for Franklin. | Mass.gov

The link should bring you to the data released on Thursday August 5, 2021.

Franklin doubled it's case count since last week's report. Jumping from 16 to 32

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting#covid-19-interactive-data-dashboard-

Celebrate National Farmers Market Week

"National Farmers Market Week kicked off on Aug. 1. It’s an annual celebration launched in 1999 by the US Department of Agriculture to call attention to the benefits of farmers’ markets and their contribution to the community. 

From sweet corn to tomatoes and raspberries picked that day, the markets offer us a host of seasonal, local foods and generate revenue for family farmers by selling directly to shoppers. Food producers — cheese and pasta makers, bakers, condiment creators, and others — benefit, too, by the direct sales. 

“Farmers’ markets bring us access not only to nutritional foods, but also preserves farmland and puts money in the local economy,” says Hal Shubin, who helps run the Belmont Farmers’ Market. Customers may grumble that the foods are costlier than at supermarkets, and some are, although plenty are competitively priced. Everything is fresher, which contributes to a longer shelf life. 

And the markets are a place where you see your friends and neighbors. The celebratory week brings special events, music, games for kids, giveaways, lectures, and more. To find a farmers’ market near you, visit massfarmersmarkets.org/markets."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required) 
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/07/30/lifestyle/national-farmers-market-week-kicks-off-sunday/

For the events scheduled for the Franklin Farmers Market this Friday

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/come-celebrate-national-farmers-market.html

Farmer Nick will have his tractor on the Town Common Friday

More from the US Dept. of Agriculture on National Farmers Market Week

https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2021/08/02/celebrating-national-farmers-market-week

Franklin Election 2021: What does the Planning Board do?

 From the Town of Franklin Planning Board webpage we can share:

"The Planning Board, established under Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 41, Section 81A, is an elected board comprised of five members, each with a four year term and one appointed associate member.

The Planning Board’s primary responsibilities are to administer the Subdivision Control Law pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41 and to issue certain special permits and site plan approval under the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws in order to ensure the public safety, interest and welfare of the residents of the Town. State and local laws and regulations governing procedures for these approvals are MGL Chapter 40A (the Zoning Act); MGL Chapter 41, Sections 81K - 81GG (the Subdivision Control Law); Chapter 300 of the Franklin Town Code Subdivision Regulations; and the Town of Franklin Zoning Bylaws Chapter 185.

The Board conducts meetings and public hearings in compliance with Town of Franklin General Laws to review and consider preliminary and definitive subdivision plans, Site plans and Special Permits, Approval Not Required (Form A) plans, and Certificate of completion applications.

The Planning Board also considers and prepares amendments to the Town of Franklin Zoning By-laws and the Town of Franklin Subdivision Regulations. The Board conducts public hearings on amendments created by the Board and on zoning amendments that are submitted to the Board by way of citizen petition or by landowners or other town boards through the proper procedures for submitting to Town Council.

All material received by the Planning Board in connection with applications is considered public information and can be seen during posted office hours."

Two positions are up for election this year. The positions current held by Anthony D Padula and Joseph F Halligan, Jr. ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_the_biennial_town_election_seats_available.docx.pdf

The Planning Board Project project page on the Town of Franklin site lists the approved projects and the projects currently in the approval process.
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/projects

Find more information on the Franklin Election Nov 2, 2021 in the "election collection"  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.html
 

Franklin Election 2021: What does the Planning Board do?

MA News: vaccine required for nursing home workers; contact tracing extended; ballot question proposals filed

 COVID-19 vaccine requirements

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER announced Wednesday that the state will require all nursing home and long-term care facility staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by October 10.  

The decision marks an evolution for the Republican governor, who has resisted imposing vaccine mandates on public employees. The decision is intended to protect the population most vulnerable to COVID-19 — the elderly. Some major area hospitals have issued similar mandates to protect vulnerable patients."

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health-care/baker-order-requires-nursing-home-staff-to-be-vaccinated/ 

Contact tracing extended to 2021 year end

"THE STATE’S CONTACT tracing effort is ramping up again in the midst of a resurgence in COVID-19 cases. 

The program was scheduled to shut down in September but instead the contract with the operator, the nonprofit Cambridge-based Partners in Health, is being extended through the end of the year. The number of contract tracers, currently at 130, is also being increased by as much as 300."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/contact-tracing-ramping-up-yet-again/ 

Ballot question proposals filed

"PROPONENTS FILED 30 ballot questions with the attorney general’s office on Wednesday in an attempt to circumvent Beacon Hill and win approval directly from voters in 2022 for laws dealing with the gig economy, voting, hospital operations, newborn babies, the Transportation Climate Initiative, smoking, the sale of alcohol, and assorted other matters.

Most of the proposals are unlikely to make it on to the ballot because, even if they pass muster on constitutional grounds with Attorney General Maura Healey’s office, they would still require the gathering of more than 93,000 voter signatures, a time-consuming and expensive process. Several of the proposals were filed in multiple forms in an effort to increase their chances of gaining approval from Healey’s office."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/from-gig-economy-to-tci-30-ballot-questions-filed/

MA News

St. Vincent de Paul Announces Friends of the Poor Walk - Sep 25, 2021

Each year, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Church walks to bring awareness to the Franklin Community of the struggles some residents experience that impact their daily lives. For thirty years, SVdP has been helping people in need in regardless of race, religious beliefs or ethnic background.  The SVdP members work closely with many charitable and government organizations in Franklin.

The SVdP members are all volunteers. Members assist people in a number of ways to help them retain their dignity and to help them to become self-sustaining. Some ways in which the SVdP society assists those in need include:

• Guide them to other resources, both state and charitable
• Provide clothing and furniture through our SVDP Thrift Stores
• Supply non-perishable food and paper products from our pantry to supplement other food resources
• Assist financially during an unexpected crisis helping to pay rent, medical, car repairs etc.  

Last year we helped Franklin Families 345 times for $59,319.00

This year walk participants will follow a route around the town common. Participants may walk between one and three miles. One time around the common is a third of a mile.  Registration opens at 8 AM. The walk begins at 9 AM.

If you would like to support our mission of helping residents of Franklin in need, you may make a financial donation in one of two ways.

1. Send a check to: SVDP 1 Church Square Franklin, MA 02038 Or   
2. Online to the SVDP team at: https://www.fopwalk.org/event/2617

If you have any questions, please call SVDP 508-918-2291. All donations stay in Franklin and all information is kept confidential.

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JkMmLv0oDBGLMbPE0G4s1l-akAU-yehn/view?usp=sharing

Annual Friends of the Poor Walk - Sep 25

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Cultural District Committee

The Cultural District Committee is an appointed volunteer board formed to provide oversight and management of the Town’s Franklin Cultural District. The Cultural District Committee (CDC) is comprised of up to seven members, all of whom are Franklin residents.

CDC’s mission is to enrich and inspire our residents and visitors by fostering local cultural, artistic, culinary and historical development aligned with local partners in a defined walkable area that is easily accessible and serves as the center of cultural economic activity. The CDC has been working to collaborate with Franklin’s cultural district partners, focusing on supporting and participating in their efforts.

The Goals of the CDC’s work include: Actively promoting the arts by attracting local artists and supporting cultural activities within the Town; Encouraging business and job development; Helping to preserve and promote the Town’s historical sites and events; Building community spirit within Franklin and encourage civic involvement; and Helping to create an appealing, attractive, and vibrant destination for tourists.

Formal status as a “Massachusetts Cultural District” was awarded on January 18, 2019, by vote of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) Board of Directors. Each year the Town is required to file a report to MCC regarding the status of the Cultural District, outline goals for the coming year, and provide a summary of how the Town utilized any MCC funding.

During FY20 MCC awarded Franklin Cultural District a $5,000 grant; the majority of funds went towards providing the Cultural District’s Partners with small grants for collaborative arts and culture events and activities.

Since the CDC was created in FY18 the CDC has enjoyed participating in a variety of annual events within the Cultural District and region. In October 2019 CDC members participated in Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Harvest Festival. On June 3, 2020 two members of the CDC participated in the MetroFest: At Home Edition! to highlight the Franklin Cultural District and its arts and culture resources.

In the spring of 2020 the CDC organized a Cultural District Photography Scavenger Hunt Contest. This was seen as a great opportunity for participants’ to learn more about the Franklin Cultural District while using their artistic talents and skills. Residents were invited to exercise creativity while maintaining a safe physical distance from others due to COVID-19. Four winners received gift cards to their chosen Franklin Cultural District Partner.

Social Media The CDC continues to work hard to market the Cultural District in a variety of ways, including the Franklin Cultural District’s new website (www.franklinculture.org), use of Constant Contact, and creation of a monthly newsletter.  In order to promote awareness of cultural activities and events throughout the Franklin community the CDC has worked to create a vibrant social media presence: 

Facebook;  www.facebook.com/franklinculturema

Twitter @franklin culture   https://twitter.com/franklinculture

Instagram @franklinculture  https://www.instagram.com/franklinculture/

The CDC holds regular monthly meetings, and subcommittees comprised of Committee members and partners meet as needed. In addition, CDC hosts quarterly Cultural District Partners meetings. These meetings rotate among weeknights and locations in town in an effort to provide flexibility in attendance, as work schedules vary throughout the town. The meetings are publicized through social media, as well as print media. All meetings are open to the public. During the last three months of FY20 the CDC held its meetings remotely via the Zoom platform. The CDC and its Partners will continue to improve the Cultural District area, build upon our current strengths of performing arts and art education, strive to create opportunities for all arts and culture related organizations and individuals, and continue to support and promote the arts throughout the Franklin Community.

Franklin’s Cultural District Committee consists of the following residents:

• Nancy Schoen, Chair
• John LoPresti, Vice Chair
• Pandora Carlucci, Clerk
• James Barrett 
• Roberta Trahan 
• Evan Chelman

Respectfully submitted, 

Nancy Schoen, CDC Chair

The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Cultural District Committee