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
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| Vaccine Clinic for kids - Mar 16, 2022 |
Friday, March 11, 2022
Watch the FHS Indoor Track participants at New Balance Nationals today & Sunday!
"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 - nbnationalsin.com/eprofile.php?e #NewBalanceNationals
Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinXCTrack/status/1501919135663538176
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| FHS Panthers |
Mass Senate Passes Oversight Reform for Veterans’ Homes
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 |
Yes, photo images can create problems for boys too
"What Is ‘Bigorexia’?
A social media diet of perfect bodies is spurring some teenage boys to form muscle dysmorphia."
"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.)"
Continue reading the editorial online (subscription may be required)
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| Yes, the photo images create problems for boys too |
An Update from Your Congressman Jake Auchincloss on "three significant developments"
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Slam the Scam: How to Spot Government Imposters
"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."
Continue reading to Slam the Scam ->
https://blog.ssa.gov/slam-the-scam-how-to-spot-government-imposters/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
https://blog.ssa.gov/slam-the-scam-how-to-spot-government-imposters/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
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| Slam the Scam: How to Spot Government Imposters |
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Mar 11, 2022
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday
9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews
10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey
11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY
7:00 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Safety on the Roads
8:29:00 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
9:00:00 am Frank Presents: State House Pt. 3
10:00 am Physician Focus: Unequal Treatment: Disparities in Health Care
11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 1
11:30 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Safety on the Roads
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones
12:30 pm Sandhya: Donuts
1:00:00 pm Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
1:30:00 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 show 4
3:00 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Paolo DiGregorio
7:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Kyle Brodeur
8:00 pm Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 1
8:30 pm The Black Box: Beth Leavel
8:29:00 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
9:00:00 am Frank Presents: State House Pt. 3
10:00 am Physician Focus: Unequal Treatment: Disparities in Health Care
11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 1
11:30 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Safety on the Roads
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones
12:30 pm Sandhya: Donuts
1:00:00 pm Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
1:30:00 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 show 4
3:00 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Paolo DiGregorio
7:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Kyle Brodeur
8:00 pm Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 1
8:30 pm The Black Box: Beth Leavel
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY
7:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Winter Music 2021
8:30 am It Takes A Village: Philip Hulbig
9:30 am FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 0-12-22
11:30 am FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v Braintree 03-04-22
1:30 pm Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1
3:30 pm Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2021
9:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v Wellesley 03-05-22
8:30 am It Takes A Village: Philip Hulbig
9:30 am FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 0-12-22
11:30 am FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v Braintree 03-04-22
1:30 pm Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1
3:30 pm Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2021
9:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v Wellesley 03-05-22
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = FRIDAY
8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 01-27-22
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 01-27-22
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) |
Thursday, March 10, 2022
Critical Conversations - The Impact of Social Media - March 24 - 6 PM
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!
Event Date: Thursday, March 24, 2022 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Franklin High School, Auditorium
Where: Franklin High School, Auditorium
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| Critical Conversations - The Impact of Social Media - March 24 - 6 PM |
Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Mar 10 - 6:30 PM
Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting
(Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee)
March 10, 2022 - 6:30 PM
Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street
Agenda
1. Introduction of members
2. Role of the committee {committee charge}
3. FY23 Budget Update and Discussion
a. Preliminary FY23 Budget Model
The Joint Budget Subcommittee is made up of members of the Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee.
Full agenda doc and remote connection info -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W_DHch_9QIPoktdZQoUbWsHQvV3xz9Vg/view?usp=sharing
Joint Budget Subcommittee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/joint-budget-subcommittee
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| Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Mar 10 - 6:30 PM |
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