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Sunday, May 23, 2021
Ellis Paul Virtual Festival starts Sunday, May 23, 2021
The Introduction to the **2021 Town of Franklin - Housing Production Plan - Public Review Draft**
"A Housing Production Plan (HPP) is a community's proactive strategy for planning and developing affordable housing. The Plan includes strategies that a community uses to enable it to meet its affordable housing needs in a manner consistent with MGL Chapter 40B and related Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) regulations.
HPP regulations became effective in 2008 when the DHCD promulgated 760 CMR 56.00, Comprehensive Permit; Low or Moderate Income Housing. Regulation that pertain specifically to the development of a Housing Production Plan is contained in 760 CMR 56.03(4). DHCD has developed Guidelines (updated October 2020) to assist Massachusetts communities with HPP development; the Guidelines are included as Attachment A. Additional HPP related information, including links to Chapter 40B and 760 CMR 56, are available at www.mass.gov/dhcd.
M.G.L. Chapter 40B requires that each Massachusetts town and city have a minimum of 10% of its total year-round housing units as affordable housing. The HPP’s most important purpose is to develop goals and strategies that will result in the community reaching the 10% Statutory Minimum set forth in 760 CMR 56.03(3)(a).
DHCD uses the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) to measure a community's stock of low-or moderate- income housing for the purposes of M.G.L. Chapter 40B. A community’s HPP must contain a numerical goal for annual housing production that will increase the “number of SHI Eligible Housing units by at least 0.50% of its total units (as determined in accordance with 760 CMR 56.03(3)(a)) during every calendar year included in the HPP, until the overall percentage exceeds the Statutory Minimum”.
If a community has a DHCD approved HPP and is granted certification of compliance with the plan by DHCD, a decision by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) relative to a comprehensive permit application will be deemed "consistent with local needs" under MGL Chapter 40B. "Consistent with local needs" means the ZBA's decision will be upheld by the State’s Housing Appeals Committee.
According to the DHCD web page, as of December 21, 2020, 11.96% of the Town of Franklin’s total year- round housing units are on the Chapter 40B Subsidized Housing Inventory. Therefore, the Town of Franklin is in compliance with Chapter 40 B, and is not immediately under pressure to increase the number of affordable units on its SHI.
However, the Town of Franklin’s total year-round housing units are based on the 2010 U.S. Census, and hundreds of housing units have been permitted and constructed over the last 11 years. According to Town estimates, the Town of Franklin will likely still have over 10% affordable units on its SHI, but the percent will likely be much lower than the 12% mentioned above. Once the Town receives its 2020 Census data this HPP will be updated and if necessary the updated plan will be resubmitted to DHCD for review and re-approval.
Implementing the goals and strategies outlined in this HPP will assure the Town of Franklin maintains at least 10% affordable units on its SHI, but it will also help to make progress in facilitating the development of a diverse housing supply for Franklin’s low and moderate income residents. In addition, the research, documentation and strategies developed during the HPP process will be utilized in the near future during the Town of Franklin’s Master Plan update process."
Find the full copy of the Housing Production Plan
Info on the public comment period
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| The Introduction to the **2021 Town of Franklin - Housing Production Plan - Public Review Draft** |
P.A.W.S. Event Sunday! May 23, 2021
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CDC Reports: masks and ventilation improved school COVID-19 case load; care in handling backyard poultry
"Schools in Georgia that required teachers and staff to wear masks and improved ventilation reported fewer COVID-19 cases, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study released on Friday.
The research, conducted by the CDC and the Georgia Department of Public Health, determined that COVID-19 incidence was 37 percent lower in schools that mandated masks for teachers and staff. Schools that implemented at least one ventilation strategy saw a 39 percent reduction in coronavirus cases among students and staff.
The ventilation improvements ranged from dilution methods, which refer to running fans and keeping doors and windows open, to filtration with or without purification. Schools that used dilution methods saw 35 percent less COVID-19 incidence, and others that used dilution and filtration methods together saw 48 percent fewer cases."
Continue reading the article online
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory on Thursday warning people against getting too close to backyard poultry, citing concerns that the chickens may be spreading salmonella.In an investigation notice, the CDC noted that backyard poultry owners should take precautionary measures when handling their animals after 163 confirmed cases of salmonella were reported in 43 states."Don’t kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, and don’t eat or drink around them," the CDC wrote. "This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick."
Continue reading the article online
"Where's The Toast?" Memory Cafe' with Tom Madden Monday, May 24 - 2 PM
Please Join us on Monday, May 24 at 2 PM as Tom Madden entertains us with songs from the 50's. Tom has been performing on vocals, keyboard, trombone and guitar and entertaining people for over 30 years.
This months Memory Cafe' is generously sponsored by Salmon at Medway. Please share this link with others who would enjoy an hour of music, socialization and entertainment.
If you would like a sneak preview at Tom's music you can go to his page with this link: http://www.tommaddenmusic.com/
We look forward to seeing you on Monday!
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| Memory Cafe' with Tom Madden Monday, May 24 |
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86744691359?pwd=b1pqRlczU2ZyZ29RT3IzY1B6d2VJQT09
Meeting ID: 867 4469 1359
Passcode: 510923
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,86744691359#,,,,*510923# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,86744691359#,,,,*510923# US (New York)
Meeting ID: 867 4469 1359
Passcode: 510923
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdK4piGK8M
Ariel Doggett
Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator
Supportive Day Coordinator
"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small
The Franklin Food Pantry is hiring a Client Services Coordinator
"Are you passionate about people and the community? The Franklin Food Pantry is looking for a Client Services Coordinator to join our team. Our vision is to build a community in which everyone in need has an improved quality of life through nutritious food and supportive resources. We are looking for a collaborative, team player who believes in our vision is adaptable and has a singular client focus.Reporting to the Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Client Services Coordinator is responsible for providing outstanding service to our clients while leading a shift of volunteers during pantry operations. This position is the primary point of contact for all volunteers and clients at the Pantry and exemplifies a positive attitude at all times fostering a welcoming, supportive environment for clients, volunteers, donors and co-workers.This is a part time, 20 hour per week position."
Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1219015755/posts/10226221870312729/
Direct link to Indeed to apply https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=client%20services%20coordinator%20franklin%20food%20pantry&l=Franklin%2C%20MA&vjk=97a9ff36f8085198&fbclid=IwAR2dZBfr-9rbiWZUqKnoL_BuXPPbnSyMjdZlXkxghuelGRd0H6yf3tyDxK8
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| hiring a Client Services Coordinator |
Washington Post: "Explaining HIPAA: No, it doesn't ban questions about your vaccination status"
"As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to relax safety measures for people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus and the country begins to reopen, many employers, businesses, families and friend groups are finding themselves in the at-times uncomfortable position of having to ask about others’ vaccination statuses."
"HIPAA, also known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and its subsequently added Privacy Rule include provisions to protect a person’s identifying health information from being shared without their knowledge or consent. The law, though, only applies to specific health-related entities, such as insurance providers, health-care clearinghouses, health-care providers and their business associates."
Shared from The Washington Post: Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://twitter.com/washingtonpost/status/1396178093463805952
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Public Hearing - 2021 Draft Housing Production Plan - June 2
Public Hearing - 2021 Draft Housing Production Plan
The Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 2 at 6:30 PM via the ” Zoom” platform to present the highlights of the Town’s 2021 Draft Housing Production Plan. Residents can visit the Town Website (franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to
date information on how to access the meeting. Residents can access the document at the Department of Planning and Community Development’s web site: www.franklinma.gov/planning-communitydevelopment.
date information on how to access the meeting. Residents can access the document at the Department of Planning and Community Development’s web site: www.franklinma.gov/planning-communitydevelopment.
Feedback from the general public is a critical component of the planning process. Written comments should be forwarded to the Department of Planning & Community Development, Housing Development Plan Comments, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038-1352, or send by email to
planning@franklinma.gov.
planning@franklinma.gov.
The Public Comment period runs until 6/25/2021. If you have any questions,
please call 508-520-4907.
please call 508-520-4907.
Submitted by,
Maxine Kinhart
Department of Housing & Community Development
Department of Housing & Community Development
Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/notice_of_public_hearing_-_housing_production_plan.pdf
Direct link to plan -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf
or view/download a copy of the plan here -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZrXMOVhhJyr8azMPeftcqIuoHRo7jmKR/view
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| Public Hearing - 2021 Draft Housing Production Plan - June 2 |
Head's up for Franklin Veterans - Memorial Day & ArtWALK
We are having a Memorial Day program on the Common on Monday, May 31 at noon after brief memorial ceremonies at Dean College, Union Street and St. Mary's Cemeteries. All are invited to the program at noon.There will not be a Memorial Day breakfast or parade this year.We are still looking for a few more volunteers to help us at the monuments on the Town Common at the ARTWALK on Fri & Sat. (Jun 11-12) (We will provide volunteers with info about each monument so they are able to answer visitors' questions.) Interested folks can sign up by calling our office.
Thank you!
Debra Martin
Franklin Veterans Services
10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin, MA 02038
Email: dmartin@franklinma.gov
T: 508.613.1315
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| Head's up for Franklin Veterans - Memorial Day & ArtWALK |
FHS boys lacrosse senior night
"What a great senior night for the boys @Franklin_Lax! Congrats on the win! Looking at that beam of light coming down on the team photo, might be greater things ahead for this crew"
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSlax_boosters/status/1395920660229234690
No score provided for either girls or boys games on Friday. Other results around the Hockomock League can be found https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-05-21-21/
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| FHS boys lacrosse senior night |
Franklin High School: Car Parade Schedule for June 5, 2021
FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) tweeted on Fri, May 21, 2021:
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinHS/status/1395818442784223235
What are you doing on Saturday, June 5th at 11am?
Coming out to celebrate the Senior class we hope!!
@FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters #PantherPride https://t.co/NY8LcHRrwJ
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinHS/status/1395818442784223235
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| Car Parade Schedule for June 5, 2021 |
Area Swimmers Post Personal Bests at Sunkissed Championship Meet
HAY Lightning is the name of the longstanding team of swimmers hosted by the Hockomock Area YMCA, which practices at pools housed at the Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro YMCAs. For this team of athletes ranging in age from 6-18, the goal of swimming at the Sunkissed Invitational swim meet every March or April has become a highly anticipated event.
If going to Nationals is one of a swimmer's goals for the season, then the swimmer must make the commitment to attend practices and work hard. Additionally, swimmers must give themselves every opportunity, over the course of the season, to swim the events in which they are trying to qualify.
If going to Nationals is one of a swimmer's goals for the season, then the swimmer must make the commitment to attend practices and work hard. Additionally, swimmers must give themselves every opportunity, over the course of the season, to swim the events in which they are trying to qualify.
During the pandemic this past year, we are proud to say that members of the YMCA team have continued to swim and improve their skills, including competing in 12 swim meets between September and March.
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| HAY Lightning |
The Nationals meet, designed in accordance with USA Swimming guidelines, gives the opportunity to compete in a national meet to many more swimmers than comparable meets in other organizations. Historically, swimmers, who otherwise may never encounter this experience, get the opportunity to travel to, and compete in, a big four-day meet. The qualifying times are attainable goals for most junior swimmers (at least 10 years of age) as they approach the age of 13, and for senior swimmers from 14 years of age.
Hosted by Team Charlotte Swimming, this year’s event—formerly planned to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina—was forced to become a virtual event. Parents, most of whom usually attend the meets and perform chaperoning duties for meals, as well as timing and officiating duties, pulled together to ensure a successful local event, while honoring the seniors and upholding important team traditions such as door decorating, swimmers’ parade, and roses for anyone earning a spot on the podium.
Participation on the National Team involved 25% of the swimmers. “We saw amazing achievements that included kids receiving qualification times that will allow them to compete at other prestigious events,” said swim dad Dan Campbell of Plainville.
“Twenty-seven of the meet participants swam at personal best times.” Dan continued, “Beyond the 189 swims at Sunkissed, we know how fortunate our kids were to be able to swim throughout the short course season. My daughter Megan, who will go on to swim in college with eight other recruits, is one of two who got to swim during COVID — and she is the only one that’s been able to compete. That she achieved four personal bests at Nationals is something else!”
It is a testament to the commitment of the team when one looks at Sunkissed results to see nine team records broken, including the shattering of the twenty-year-standing 500 free record. Harikalal Birali (of Franklin) broke her first team record, Jack Maron (of Sharon) broke two, and Jill Carline (of Attleboro) had a standout showing with 6 team records.
“The Y’s support means so much to families involved in the 2020 HAY Lightning season, said Dan who looks forward to the future of the team and his involvement with it.
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| HAY Lightning, the Hockomock Area YMCA’s competitive swim team for swimmers 18 years and younger, participated in their annual national championship swim meet March 25-28 at the North Attleboro YMCA. The 30 Junior & Senior National Championship qualifying swimmers posted 134 personal best times (out of 162 swims) and 25 swimmers achieved qualifying times for Sunkissed Championship Meet 2022 |
Franklin Fire Dept welcomes 2 new engines
Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Fri, May 21, 2021:
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1395754417106915329
Finance Committee meeting of February has an overview of the truck purchase. A good deal for the Town as it saves money on both trucks and maintains the online and reserve rotation of vehicles that has worked well for the Town.
Special delivery at the Franklin Fire Department today! Two new engines have been added to the fleet and will serve as the front line pieces of equipment for the Town.
These state of the art engines will be deployed from both stations in town. @FranklinMAfire https://t.co/Ldc79s6gqp
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1395754417106915329
Finance Committee meeting of February has an overview of the truck purchase. A good deal for the Town as it saves money on both trucks and maintains the online and reserve rotation of vehicles that has worked well for the Town.
The Town Council meeting of February 17 covers the legislation for action authorizing the purchase of the vehicles. Due to the timing, the Town Council got to approve first and then the Finance Committee reviewed it. Normally, it would have been the other way around.
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| Franklin Fire Dept welcomes 2 new engines |
Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - May 21, 2021
Hello Everyone!
Staying Connected
Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc
Link to the Senior Center Calendar https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day
Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/ and www.franklin.news
Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/
Link to Mass.Gov COVID - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information
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| Rod & Gun Club fishing derby - Jun 5 |
Tips
Finding Easy Walks Wherever you are: Hopedale Parklands with Marjorie Turner Hollman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNABQOYhCO8
Music
More strange and unique musical instruments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7T9jwMxQWA
The History of Jazz part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATJX7gZ4D6w
Just for Fun
Moments of animal genius
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2idDi4ukA8
Woman gives toys to a wild magpie and he brings friends to play with her!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqSbDcks_uA
5 EASY and thrifty outdoor DIY ideas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oEgTyEoFFY
Humor
Don't ask a man to clean the carpets - Jeanne Robertson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42fmu5LrNog
Old Man Noises - Ross Bennett - This is hysterical!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64OuCIuSCKk
Kindness Matters
Dance for Kindness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HtrP3XY5Wk
Random acts of kindness, faith in humanity restored
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3un9mcmwtAE
Upcoming Events email adoggett@franklinma.gov or call the senior center to register or inquire about programs. Currently the mask mandate is still IN EFFECT until May 27th! Not our rules but we ALL must follow them until they are lifted by the state and town. Thank you for understanding and following the rules.
*Monday
11-1 Café Open
1:00 Tele-Bingo
1:30 Movie Matinee - Must be registered
2:00 Memory Café - via zoom
*Tuesday
9:30 Busy Bees
9:30 Chair w/Shirley -must be registered
10:00 Virtual Chair w/Judi
11:00 Cardio
11:00 Tailgate Tues
12:00 Drum Connection - Must be registered - FULL
1:00 Low Vision
1:00 Quilting
5:30 Quarantini Time - via zoom
*Wednesday
9:00 Wellness RN - call for appointment
9:45 Chair Yoga - Must be registered
10:00 Knitting
11:00 Mindful Movements - call to register
1:00 Senior Scribblers
1:15 Healthy Sleep - call to register
1:30 Stampin Up! - Must be registered
4:00 Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group
*Thursday
9:30 Busy Bees
9:30 Chair w/ Shirley - must be registered
10:00 Discussion Group
10:00 Virtual Chair w/ Judi
11:00 Cardio - must be registered
12:30 Painting Space - must be registered
1:00 BINGO! - must be registered
*Friday
9:30 FOFE
10:00 Woodcarving
11:00 Sunshine - via Zoom
11:00 Café Open - must call for a table in advance
12:00 TOPS
Link to the Franklin Senior Center Calendar :
https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month or our newsletter
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/may_newsletter_2021_-1.pdf
Attached you will find Donna's Fun Filled Activity Pages
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18O-365AqUgqlamGojZuqbyb2PdacMBCl/view?usp=sharingEnjoy the beautiful weather and stay healthy!
Ariel
REMEMBER:
When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution! Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer. Many look like real sites. And remember to read the whole article to be informed. Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here
Ariel Doggett
Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator
Supportive Day Coordinator
"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small
@MassGovernor: MA vaccine preregistration program goes away, home vaccine expands
Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) tweeted on Fri, May 21, 2021:
Our preregistration system has scheduled hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
Today, with vaccines widely available, we announced the system will close by the end of the month. New signups will close on 5/25 and everyone will be offered appointments by June. https://t.co/aTfBYttYh7
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1395765965682581505
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| @MassGovernor: MA vaccine preregistration program goes away, home vaccine expands |
Boston Globe Spotlight: "Failure of Command"
"Governor Charlie Baker was indignant last June, as he outlined the results of an investigation into the crisis at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home.
“It’s a very special place, and has always held a special place in my heart,” Baker said of the state-run home, where a COVID-19 outbreak had killed 76 veterans that spring — one of the highest death tolls of any senior-care center in the country.
The report by Boston attorney Mark Pearlstein was “nothing short of gut wrenching,” Baker said. The chaos and carnage at the Soldiers’ Home was “truly horrific and tragic.” There had been inexcusable failures of leadership by superintendent Bennett Walsh and of oversight by Secretary of Veterans’ Services Francisco Ureña, Baker said. So they both had to go.
At that press conference, Baker and Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders took no personal responsibility for the massive loss of life at a facility they oversaw. Instead, they laid blame solely on officials below them, particularly Walsh and Ureña, in what a Boston Globe Spotlight Team investigation has found was an often misleading narrative marked by omissions and false assertions.
The governor distanced himself from the decision to hire superintendent Walsh, who now faces charges of criminal neglect during the pandemic. Baker said Walsh had been appointed by the Soldiers’ Home board of trustees, which “really wanted Bennett Walsh to have that job. And I can tell you that the first time I ever met him or talked to him was when we swore him in.”
That wasn’t true. Baker interviewed Walsh before naming him superintendent in 2016, despite Walsh’s lack of health care management experience, an administration spokesperson recently confirmed."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
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| "the veterans known to have died from COVID through May 23, 2020" |
Did you know that plastic beer carriers can't be recycled (even though they are labeled as 100% recyclable)
"It’s estimated* that at least 10 million new plastic can carriers are used annually by breweries in Massachusetts, with just 10% of them being collected and re-used, and less than 2% of them ever getting recycled. As a result, the amount of plastic beer packaging waste ending up in landfills each year is enough to fill any of the state’s largest breweries with discarded carriers rather than beer.A number of factors have combined to create a perfect storm in which carriers end up in the hands of consumers who pitch them into their curbside recycling bins because manufacturers market them as “100% recyclable.” But the state’s RecycleSmart website, an initiative of the Massachusetts department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and its three largest waste disposal companies (Casella, Republic, and Waste Management) all say that plastic carriers and six-pack rings are incompatible with sorting equipment. As a result, they get rejected and sent to landfill or incineration, both of which have negative impacts on the environment."
https://massbrewbros.com/just-one-tenth-of-plastic-can-carriers-get-re-used-or-recycled-in-massachusetts-a-team-of-eco-minded-breweries-and-environmental-groups-plan-to-change-that/
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| my small collection ready to recycle somewhere |
The map displays locations where the carriers can be recycled:
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