The Franklin Department of Health is hosting a vaccine clinic on March 16 for kids ages 5-11.
See flyer for details!
Register here: buff.ly/3k6pxaM
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1499812687248822274
Vaccine Clinic for kids - Mar 16, 2022 |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
The Franklin Department of Health is hosting a vaccine clinic on March 16 for kids ages 5-11.
See flyer for details!
Register here: https://buff.ly/3k6pxaM
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1499812687248822274
Vaccine Clinic for kids - Mar 16, 2022 |
"Good luck to the athletes in NYC this weekend for New Balance Nationals Indoors! Tyler Powderly in the 400M Friday at 11:58 and girls 4x4 (Anna Cliff, Olivia Costa, Sarah Dumas, Jill Fenerty) Sunday at 1:35."
Livestream - https://nbnationalsin.com/eprofile.php?event_id=1164&do=videos&video_id=312475-LIVE-Webcast-New-Balance-Nationals-Indoor-2022… #NewBalanceNationals
Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinXCTrack/status/1501919135663538176
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FHS Panthers |
On Thursday, March 10, 2022, the Massachusetts State Senate passed legislation to increase public oversight over the administration of state-operated veterans’ homes in Holyoke and Chelsea. To improve safety and transparency at the veterans’ homes, the bill would restructure the chain of command to more closely match established administrative practices used in hospitals and other large organizations. This legislation follows continued scrutiny of administrative failures at the veterans’ home in Holyoke, which led to the tragic deaths of 77 veterans during the early days of the pandemic, and builds on recommendations made by the Special Joint Oversight Committee on the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke COVID-19 Outbreak, which investigated.
“As the daughter of a veteran, I continue to be heartbroken for the families of those who lost their lives to COVID-19 at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I would like to thank the Special Joint Oversight Committee on the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke COVID-19 Outbreak for their thorough investigation of this tragedy, as well as my colleagues in the Senate who have remained focused on dramatic and drastic governance reform to our veterans’ services to ensure the tragedy that occurred in Holyoke never happens again. The Senate will continue to lead in its efforts to support the brave men and women who have served our country. I want to thank Senator Rush for working for over a decade to confront the issues that affect the treatment of veterans and that impact veterans’ services, as well as Senators Rodrigues and Velis for their partnership in crafting this bill.”
“With the passage of this bill, the Senate recognizes the need to prioritize accountability and oversight, establish effective checks and balances, and ensure clear chains of command at our state’s long-term care facilities for veterans in order to prevent the tragedy at Holyoke Soldiers’ Home from ever happening again,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her leadership, to Senators Rush and Velis for their tireless efforts in shaping this bill, and to my colleagues in the Senate for their continued commitment to supporting our veterans.”
"The Soldiers’ Homes have long suffered from gaps in accountability and a confused chain of command, factors which left it unable to deal with a crisis like the one we saw with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Senator Michael F. Rush (D-Boston), Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and sponsor of the bill. “The bill passed by the senate today tightens these gaps, enhances the level of oversight by elevating the Secretary of Veterans’ Services to a cabinet level position, and creates a stronger governing structure that supports our veterans and provides high quality care. Thank you to Senate President Spilka, Chairman Rodrigues, and my colleagues in the senate for your continued support of the commonwealth’s veterans
“From removing burdensome reporting layers and cleaning up the chain of command, to putting in place important infection control and medical oversight, this legislation builds on a lot of the critical lessons that we learned since the tragic COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in the spring of 2020,” said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “Those lives lost are the reason this legislation is before us today, to do right by them, and to do right by all the Veterans who will call Massachusetts home in the coming years. I want to thank the Senate President, the Chair of Ways & Means, and Senator Rush for their steadfast leadership on these important reforms and all my colleagues for their consistent support of our Commonwealth’s Veterans.”
This comprehensive reform bill is designed to increase the safety of residents of veterans’ homes in the Commonwealth. A new, full-time ombudsperson would receive, investigate, and assist in resolving complaints related to the health, wellbeing, and rights of veterans’ homes’ residents and staff. To effectively aid these efforts, a public hotline would be created for residents and staff to direct concerns. The bill would also task the Department of Public Health (DPH) with regularly inspecting the homes; all inspection reports would being made publicly available, excluding identifying information of patients and staff. Veterans' homes would be required to be licensed as long-term care facilities by DPH and adhere to the same standards and regulations.
Amendments adopted during floor debate will ensure that all veterans’ homes are licensed as long-term care facilities; employ both an infection control specialist and an emergency preparedness specialist; have adequate infection control programs in place; and establish best practices for treating post-traumatic stress disorder. Other adopted amendments direct the Secretary of Veteran’s Services to conduct an outreach program on the benefits and application process for the veterans’ homes, and require all annual reports from the statewide and regional veterans’ homes advisory councils to be publicly accessible online.
State-operated veterans’ homes in Massachusetts are managed by a Superintendent, who is responsible for everyday operation of the homes and for ensuring improvements to quality of care. The Senate’s legislation would give the authority to appoint a superintendent for each of the Veterans’ Homes to the Executive Director of the Office of Veterans’ Homes and Housing (OVHH). Under the legislation, superintendents would be required to fulfill certain criteria, including being a licensed nursing home administrator with experience running a long-term care facility. Priority would also be given to superintendent candidates who are themselves veterans.
The Executive Director of OVHH would be appointed by the Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans Services, which would be elevated to a cabinet-level position, appointed by the Governor. The Secretary would be required to promulgate regulations concerning the operations and administration of veterans’ homes. Elevating the Secretary to a cabinet-level position would facilitate more timely attention to all personnel challenges.
In addition to altering the command structure responsible for managing veterans’ homes, the bill would also create a statewide Massachusetts Veterans’ Homes Advisory Council, tasked with recommending policies to the Secretary of Veterans Services, as well as Regional Councils, which would be tasked with representing the interests of the local community, residents, and family members at each veterans’ home. Both the statewide Massachusetts Veterans’ Homes Advisory Council and Regional Councils would report annually to the Secretary and to the Legislature. Together with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, these councils would be empowered to submit nominations for and recommend the removal of superintendents.
Furthermore, the bill would require each home to have a full-time specialist in infection control and emergency preparedness and to adhere to medically-sound guidelines for trauma-informed care, including best practices for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide prevention. Additionally, the homes would be required to maintain organizational plans, updated annually, for normal and emergency operations.
The Senate’s bill would remove existing procedural hurdles which make it harder to donate operating supplies, clothing, medical equipment, personal hygiene products, and holiday gifts to veterans’ homes.
This legislation would set procedures and guidelines for filling vacant positions at veterans’ homes, including posting job openings in a timely fashion, and ensuring that an employee is available to temporarily be tasked with any unfulfilled emergency duties while the position is vacant. Additionally, annual performance reviews would be mandated for all leadership positions at each home.
To facilitate veterans’ access to health care, state-operated veterans’ homes would be required to accept Medicare and Medicaid payments. The bill would also provide mental health resources to employees of state-operated veterans’ homes who worked during the pandemic, and create a commission to rename the Veterans’ Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke after specific Massachusetts veterans.
Finally, the Senate adopted an amendment from Senator Velis to establish March 21 as Veterans’ Homes Remembrance Day, to honor the veterans who lost their lives due to the tragic COVID-19 outbreaks at veterans’ homes.
As a version of An Act relative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the commonwealth’s veterans’ homes has previously passed the Massachusetts House of Representatives, a conference committee will be appointed to resolve any differences between the Senate and House versions.
Senate Legislation link -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2739
House Legislation link -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4441
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MASS Senate Unveils Oversight Reform for Veterans’ Homes |
"Like many high school athletes, Bobby, 16, a junior from Long Island, has spent years whipping his body into shape through protein diets and workouts.Between rounds of Fortnite and homework, Bobby goes online to study bodybuilders like Greg Doucette, a 46-year-old fitness personality who has more than 1.3 million YouTube subscribers. Bobby also hits his local gym as frequently as six days a week.“Those guys made me realize I wanted to get bodies like them and post stuff like them,” said Bobby, who has fluffy curls of dark hair and the compact frame of a gymnast. (The New York Times is not publishing the surnames of minors or the names of their parents in this article to protect their privacy.)"
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Yes, the photo images create problems for boys too |
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"Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam?
That’s the question we’re asking as part of our annual Slam the Scam Day on Thursday, March 10, 2022. Scammers continue to evolve and find new ways to steal your money and personal information. On Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, we raise awareness about Social Security-related scams and other government imposter scams. We want you to know how you and your loved ones can avoid becoming victims!
There are common elements to many of these scams. Scammers often exploit fears, threatening you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pose as Social Security or other government employees and claim there’s a problem with your Social Security number (SSN) or your benefits. They may even claim your SSN is linked to a crime."
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
Social media plays a significant role in our students’ lives, it's designed to. Identifying strategies to establish a healthy relationship with social media that maximizes the benefits and mitigates the negatives is nothing short of a critical conversation.
We invite you to join us for an evening of listening, learning, and engaging with esteemed tech journalist, Georgia Wells from the Wall Street Journal and Massachusetts Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, as they quarterback a conversation on the state of social media. Our local panelists will consist of key community stakeholders and individuals well versed in the various stages of raising children.
Additional information coming soon!
a. Preliminary FY23 Budget Model
Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Mar 10 - 6:30 PM |
Senior Legal and Protective students have secured co-ops and internships in their preferred fields to help them gain valuable work experience before they graduate high school. The Legal and Protective Services shop is a criminal justice-based practical career program. The curriculum covers many aspects of criminal law, criminal procedure, constitutional law, civics, police field tactics, investigation techniques, C.S.I., self-defense, critical thinking, leadership, psychology, and public service. The two-teacher shop is led by an attorney and a veteran police officer.
Teaghan LeBlanc
Teaghan LeBlanc pursued an internship with the Millis Police Department her junior year due to a relationship she built through volunteering and community participation as early as middle school. LeBlanc reorganized the records department, proving herself to be a valuable resource to the department. Chief Soffayer appointed her as a part-time dispatcher for the department in November due to her hard work. "I joined Legal and Protective Services at Tri-County because I had an interest in law enforcement, and this shop afforded me opportunities to explore the field, as well as start earning certifications that will help begin my career," says LeBlanc of Millis.
Erica Godfrey |
A'Neysa Cleveland of Plainville is training as a domestic violence advocate and educator at New Hope, a local domestic violence shelter and resource center. Her internship will give her the experience, trainings, and connections to pursue work in this field after her graduation.
Bret Mathews
Bret Mathews is gaining experience at the Franklin Fire Department by going on ride-alongs in the fire engine, observing the dispatch department, and assisting with administrative work at the station. "I'm learning so much about how the station is run, what is in the ambulances and engines, and how everything works," said Mathews of Millis. The station has been especially helpful in giving guidance to help Bret select the most efficient way to pursue postsecondary coursework in this essential field. Mathews’ supervisor says, “Bret is doing a great job at Franklin Fire Department. He is always professional. He is not afraid to ask questions and had participated in everything he has been asked to do such as ambulance and engine operations, and training evolutions.”
After years of volunteer work at the station, Trevor Runyan of Medway secured an internship with the Medway Police Department. He participates in ride-alongs, observes dispatch operations, and assists with administrative work.
Mullaney Harris holds an internship at Uxbridge District Court, where she observes arraignments, bail hearings, and trials and also assists the clerks and probation department with administrative matters. “Since the start of her internship, Mullaney has proven to be a valuable asset to the Clerk’s Office. She speaks highly of her vocational program as she applies the knowledge and skills she has learned there to her work here,” Harris’ supervisor says of her hard work. Harris is gaining valuable experience and making invaluable connections with professionals in the field. “I've been dreaming of a job in the legal system since I was eight years old. There are so many options for me to pursue and all of them give me a direct opportunity to make positive changes in society which is all I have ever wanted to do,” commented Harris of Uxbridge.
Jake Slook of Franklin is interning with the Medfield Fire Department. He goes on ride-alongs and handles incoming administrative phone calls. He is fine-tuning his plans after graduation with the assistance of the professional connections he has made. Slook is participating in the Medfield Fire Cadet Program to help prepare for his future.
Thomas Ruth is working with the Franklin Town Government through an internship with the Department of Public Works. He is learning first-hand how the citizens rely on their town government to provide well-planned, environmentally-sensitive, cost-effective infrastructure and services to promote public health, personal safety, transportation, and economic growth. “My internship prepares me for the real world,” said Ruth of Blackstone.Thomas Ruth
Many Tri-County students utilize their senior year to use the skills learned in their career program towards a co-op or internship. The connections they make and the experience they gain allows them to add practical experience to their college applications and professional resumes. Students appreciate the opportunity to grow their skills and connections prior to graduation. “Through co-op, I have grown as a student, professional, and person. I'm tremendously grateful for the dispatchers, officers, admin, and Chiefs who've mentored me the past year and a half,” commented Teagan LeBlanc of Millis.
"Hi, we are happy to announce that we are having a FREE! Night of the arts kids event on April 29 from 5:30-7:30 PM
We would love to see you there!! " https://t.co/XAqeQDI6sx
The Genocide Education Act, filed by State Rep. Roy, was signed into law by Gov. Baker in a ceremony at the State Library. The bill, approved by 198 of the 200 members of the General Court, will require public schools to teach the history of genocides and create a fund to help support the new curriculum. Upon signing, Massachusetts become the 20th state to have adopted mandatory Holocaust and genocide education.
“Massachusetts has always been at the forefront of human rights issues and with the passage of this bill, we can do it again,” said Rep. Roy . “We can arm our students with the knowledge they will need to recognize the warning signs and feel empowered to prevent genocides in the future. Making genocide education a mandatory topic for teaching in our schools is a reaffirmation of the commitment of free peoples from all nations to never again permit the occurrence of another genocide, and to deter indifference to crimes against humanity and human suffering wherever they occur.”
You can learn more about the new law and view Rep. Roy’s floor remarks on the bill by clicking here (https://jeffreyroy.com/2021/11/17/house-passes-genocide-education-act/)
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State Representative Jeff Roy: State House Updates - March 2022 |
There is more information in this newsletter update from Rep Roy. Follow the link to review the full set of contents -> https://mailchi.mp/c673ec56df21/march-2021-newsletter-6780281?e=6ead984465
March's Health Observance is Nutrition. Read nutrition labels; packaging can have misleading labels and false advertising.
Learn more at: www.cdc.gov/nutrition
"School districts that required masks this fall saw significantly fewer coronavirus cases than those where masks were optional, according to a large study of Arkansas schools by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC looked at 233 school districts and found those with mask requirements saw a 23 percent lower incidence of coronavirus cases. Rates in districts with partial requirements — for instance, places that required them in hallways but not classrooms — were in between.
“Masks remain an important part of a multicomponent approach to preventing Covid-19 in K-12 settings, especially in communities with high Covid-19 community levels,” concluded the study, which published Tuesday."
"Urban neighborhoods that were redlined by federal officials in the 1930s tended to have higher levels of harmful air pollution eight decades later, a new study has found, adding to a body of evidence that reveals how racist policies in the past have contributed to inequalities across the United States today.In the wake of the Great Depression, when the federal government graded neighborhoods in hundreds of cities for real estate investment, Black and immigrant areas were typically outlined in red on maps to denote risky places to lend. Racial discrimination in housing was outlawed in 1968. But the redlining maps entrenched discriminatory practices whose effects reverberate nearly a century later.To this day, historically redlined neighborhoods are more likely to have high populations of Black, Latino and Asian residents than areas that were favorably assessed at the time."
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“This history of racist planning is so deeply ingrained in American cities" |
11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |