MEMBER UPDATE
HEALTH PREPAREDNESS AT OUR Y
Dear Franklin,
As a follow-up to our communication on Wednesday, our YMCA continues to closely monitor the current public health updates regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.
The CDC and our local boards of health continue to advise businesses and institutions that taking steps to slow the spread of the Coronavirus will contribute to the public health response to the outbreak.
Updates:
For further information, we encourage you to visit the following websites:
We continue to monitor this rapidly evolving health crisis and will continue to update you as more information, resources or guidance becomes available.
We appreciate everyone's support as we strive to protect the health & safety of our YMCA community and work together in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
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HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA | Foxboro, Franklin, North Attleboro, Mansfield, MA
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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 *
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Hockomock YMCA: Health Preparedness Update (COVID-19)
Tom Paxton Concert Cancellation & COVID-19 Update
TOM PAXTON CONCERT CANCELLATION & COVID-19 UPDATE
OTHER SHOWS IN THE 2019-2020 SEASON
AT OCC COFFEEHOUSE: Tickets are now available for all shows on the website. All shows are general admission seating, so arrive early for good seats.
** Saturday, April 25, 2020, Aztec Two-Step 2.0, featuring Rex Fowler, Dodie Pettit & Friends. Now that Neal Shulman has retired, Rex continues on, recapturing the sound of the duo's original studio recordings.
** Sunday, May 24, 2020, Ted Vigil, John Denver Tribute. Ted is an award-winning singer, songwriter and tribute artist. He performs internationally, and wows the crowd, selling out theatres everywhere. A typical comment is "I can't believe how much he looks and sounds like John Dever."
For the health and safety of our audience, performers and volunteers, the scheduled performance by Tom Paxton and The Don Juans on Friday, March 20 has been cancelled. We and the performers share the concerns that many of you have in this very uncertain time, and we are taking all reasonable precautions to help stem the tide of this virus. We regret having to make this decision, but the health and safety of all of you, our supporters, takes precedence over all other considerations. Ticket refunds will be issued today or tomorrow for all tickets already purchased.
It is likely that Tom Paxton & The Don Juans will be rescheduled for this coming September. We will let everyone know as soon as a decision is made.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic is still unfolding, we can't predict what will happen with other future concerts. We very much appreciate your support of our concert series, and will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed of any future changes. We wish everyone good health.
OTHER SHOWS IN THE 2019-2020 SEASON
AT OCC COFFEEHOUSE: Tickets are now available for all shows on the website. All shows are general admission seating, so arrive early for good seats.
** Saturday, April 25, 2020, Aztec Two-Step 2.0, featuring Rex Fowler, Dodie Pettit & Friends. Now that Neal Shulman has retired, Rex continues on, recapturing the sound of the duo's original studio recordings.
** Sunday, May 24, 2020, Ted Vigil, John Denver Tribute. Ted is an award-winning singer, songwriter and tribute artist. He performs internationally, and wows the crowd, selling out theatres everywhere. A typical comment is "I can't believe how much he looks and sounds like John Dever."
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Tom Paxton Concert Cancellation & COVID-19 Update |
"doing their best to make Franklin a place worth living"
Alan Earls writes about Tom McDermott of of the former Clark, Cutler, & McDermott company.
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200313/guest-speaker-paying-tribute-to-tom-mcdermott
"Last summer, a long-time Franklin resident Tom McDermott, passed away.Continue reading the article online
Aside from an obituary posted online and in the newspaper, there was scarcely a stir. But there should have been.
For more than a century, Tom and his family – his grandfather, father and his sons – ran Clark, Cutler & McDermott in Franklin in the gritty and unglamorous non-woven (e.g. felt) textile industry. From the company’s first products back in 1911 -- horse blankets -- to the recent past when sudden business reversals led the company to seek bankruptcy protection, and when its products had become part of a global supply chain in the automotive industry, the company was innovative and feisty. It survived and prospered despite global competition, the high cost of doing business in Massachusetts, and changing markets.
Above all, though, CCMcD was all about Franklin."
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200313/guest-speaker-paying-tribute-to-tom-mcdermott
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"proposed new zone called Mixed Business Innovation (MBI)" |
Coronavirus Information Portal - multiple updates
Letter from Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern regarding Coronavirus
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/files/memo-ta-superintendent
The Town of Franklin is keeping up to date with the latest information related to the novel Coronavirus as it becomes available. This site will be updated regularly with information from State and Federal agencies. Please check back frequently.
The Town of Franklin will be cleaning and sanitizing all public buildings every weekend. There are many things you can do to prevent the transmission of COVID - 19 and other of viruses. Please follow the tips found here:
The following links provide up-to-date information regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
Best Practices for Prevention and Treatment
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
Steps to prevent illness
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
Messages from Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern (March 8th, Feb 28th)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus
Franklin Police Response to COVID-19 (March 13, 2020)
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/2020-franklin-police-response-covid-19
Senior Center/Council on Aging COVID1-19 update (March 10, 2020)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/cvupdate.pdf
How to clean your smartphone (and other computer hardware)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/educational-technology/files/how-clean-your-smartphone-and-other-computer-hardware
Please follow this link for information from Monica Bharel MD MPH, Commissioner of the Department of Health: https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/corona-virus-information
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/files/memo-ta-superintendent
* Residents please be informed that the over 1.3 Million square feet of municipal facilities (ie. Schools, Town Hall Building, etc.) are being sprayed every weekend with commercial grade disinfectant to help mitigate the spread of germs. This practice will continue for the foreseeable future.
The Town of Franklin is keeping up to date with the latest information related to the novel Coronavirus as it becomes available. This site will be updated regularly with information from State and Federal agencies. Please check back frequently.
The Town of Franklin will be cleaning and sanitizing all public buildings every weekend. There are many things you can do to prevent the transmission of COVID - 19 and other of viruses. Please follow the tips found here:
- Keep a distance of 6 feet from people, especially individuals who are showing signs and symptoms of upper respiratory infection
- Keep a small bottle of alcohol based (60%) hand sanitizer for travel. Rub over entire hands until hands are dry.
- Wash hands with warm or hot water and soap for 20 seconds.
- Try as hard as possible to not touch eyes, ears, nose, mouth, especially if you one has not washed hands recently.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue, discard tissue and wash hands thoroughly.
The following links provide up-to-date information regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
Best Practices for Prevention and Treatment
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
Steps to prevent illness
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
Messages from Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern (March 8th, Feb 28th)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus
Franklin Police Response to COVID-19 (March 13, 2020)
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/2020-franklin-police-response-covid-19
Senior Center/Council on Aging COVID1-19 update (March 10, 2020)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/cvupdate.pdf
How to clean your smartphone (and other computer hardware)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/educational-technology/files/how-clean-your-smartphone-and-other-computer-hardware
Please follow this link for information from Monica Bharel MD MPH, Commissioner of the Department of Health: https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/corona-virus-information
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Coronavirus Information Portal |
Friday, March 13, 2020
Updates on coronavirus (COVID-19) from Senior Center, Franklin Police, Representative Roy, and Senator Spilka
- Senior Center Cancellation of Events and Activities
"As older adults and those with chronic medical conditions are the most vulnerable population with regard to the COVlD-19 outbreak, we will be cancelling most of our events and activities to reduce the risk of infection at the Franklin Senior Center for the next two weeks and possibly longer should conditions warrant. Our goal is to take all possible measures to prevent illness in older adults who attend the Senior Center, while maintaining activities that do not put participants at risk for exposure."
Read the full text including what services will still be offered mostly via appoint or phone https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/alerts/scclosing.pdf
- Franklin Police
Dear Residents, Businesses, and Visitors to the Town of Franklin,Read the full text including what protocols were changed
As Chief of Police I have enacted several new policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While many of these are internal and deal with how officers will continue to work and provide public safety, there are a few which the public should be aware of. These are effective immediately and will continue until further notice.
Effective March 10, 2020, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared a state of emergency and has urged other agencies to take action to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. As a police department, it is impossible for our employees to cut off all contact with the public, and because our role in the community is so vital, we must respond to this situation with some changes. In response to the state of emergency, and to protect the members of the Department and the public, the Franklin Police Department will implement the following changes until further notice.
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/2020-franklin-police-response-covid-19
- Representative Roy
I know there are many concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and I appreciate all of the calls and messages I have received over the last few days. New information is coming out regularly so please check the special state website for latest updates at https://www.mass.gov/covid19. In the meantime, here is the latest info I have:Read the full text from Rep Roy
https://mailchi.mp/8562866a70a2/ux2l17im8a-2477749
- Senate President Karen Spilka
Greetings,
I am writing to you to provide information and resources about coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, in Massachusetts. This is a rapidly-evolving situation, and I know that there is a level of uncertainty in our communities. I can assure you, however, that I am working closely with state and local leaders to take steps to address the public health, economic and civic impacts of this pandemic.
I have added a page to my website, Coronavirus Updates, that I will keep updated with the latest information. Please feel free to bookmark it and check it often for the latest updates and guidance.
Senator Spilka's update page
https://karenspilka.com/updates/2020/3/13/covid-19-updates
- The joint memo from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Sara Ahern
Based on the evolving conditions associated with the COVID-19 outbreak occurring throughout the state, in consultation with the Franklin Board of Health, town emergency management officials, we have made the decision to close the Franklin Public Schools and most town buildings, beginning today, Friday, March 13, 2020. As the situation remains fluid, we anticipate remaining closed for approximately two weeks (through March 27, 2020) resuming operations March 30th where the Town will resume business; however, this may change based on direction from state and local health officials as more information becomes available.Continue reading the full text of the joint memo
We realize this decision has a significant impact and far-reaching ramifications for our community and understand the disruption and uncertainty that is created for everyone. However, we believe these steps are necessary given the current realities. We encourage all families to take a step back, please follow best hygiene and prevention practices as instructed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and to be patient. We do not make this decision lightly, but making decisions to help prevent transmission of the virus is paramount.
We encourage every Franklin resident, business and visitor to follow the latest guidance from local authorities on our Coronavirus Information Portal here on the Franklin homepage. More information on each departments level of service will continue to be updated here:
https://www.franklinma.gov/
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/coronavirus-update-town-administrator-jamie-hellen-and-superintendent-schools-sara-ahern
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https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal |
Franklin Public Schools will be closed through March 27, 2020; Senior Center, Library, Recreation - indefinitely
Good afternoon,
After much consideration, out of an abundance of caution, Franklin Public Schools will be closed through March 27, 2020. We recognize that this creates a disruption in our daily lives. We did not make this decision lightly, but the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
Please see the attached memo in the e-mail for more town and school-based information. Additional details will be forthcoming later today from FPS administration.
Kindly,
Franklin Public Schools
-----------------
Based on the evolving conditions associated with the COVID-19 outbreak occurring throughout the state, in consultation with the Franklin Board of Health, town emergency management officials, we have made the decision to close the Franklin Public Schools and most town buildings, beginning today, Friday, March 13, 2020. As the situation remains fluid, we anticipate remaining closed for approximately two weeks (through March 27, 2020) resuming operations March 30th where the Town will resume business; however, this may change based on direction from state and local health officials as more information becomes available.
We realize this decision has a significant impact and far-reaching ramifications for our community and understand the disruption and uncertainty that is created for everyone. However, we believe these steps are necessary given the current realities. We encourage all families to take a step back, please follow best hygiene and prevention practices as instructed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and to be patient. We do not make this decision lightly, but making decisions to help prevent transmission of the virus is paramount.
We encourage every Franklin resident, business and visitor to follow the latest guidance from local authorities on our Coronavirus Information Portal here on the Franklin homepage. More information on each departments level of service will continue to be updated here: https://www.franklinma.gov/
Effective immediately, we will be ordering the following public facility closures and restrictions:
1. Franklin Public School District will be closed beginning today, March 13th, 2020. The schools anticipate opening Monday, March 30th.
The FPS Administration is considering numerous factors at this time, including how to provide for continuity of services, including feeding children. Additional information will be forthcoming this afternoon and in the coming days. School based staff should not report on Monday, March 16, 2020. Additional expectations for staff will be communicated soon.
This information will be sent to families and staff via Regroup as well as posted on our webpage: https://www.franklinps.net/
2. Franklin Senior Center will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to conduct outreach and assistance to seniors in need. Staff will be readily available by telephone at 508-520-4926 during regular business hours to answer questions and offer any assistance. Franklin Senior Center staff are also spending time disinfecting the entire building during the week, as well.
As stated by the CDC, older adults and those with serious illnesses are especially at high risk to contract the virus and have greater risk of complications from the virus. Please visit the Franklin website for additional information. We are urging our senior citizen population to continue to be vigilant, avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing and good hygiene, and to stay home as much as possible to limit exposure to Coronavirus.
3. Franklin Public Library will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to operate business via online services and will be available by phone during modified business hours at 508-520-4941.
Modified business hours will be 9AM to 5PM Monday through Saturday where staff will be available by phone. All programs at the Library are cancelled for this duration.
Any late fines will be waived through at least March 27th.
4. Franklin Recreation Building will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to operate business via online services. The Franklin Recreation Department operates all of its program registration online and individuals may continue to sign up for programs. The Town is cancelling all recreation programs through March 30th.
5. Municipal Building & DPW Administration Building will remain open during regular business hours for the time being. We are working through the legal factors relating to public meetings, public hearings and our ability to continue to conduct regular business as much as possible. Public bodies, such as elected Boards, must continue to work,unless further directed by the state. We hope to have additional information at the beginning of next week on the status.
We encourage all residents to use our online business options for permits, payments online at our online customer service center.
https://unipaygold.unibank.com/customerinfo.aspx https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/
6. Police and Fire Department will remain open to respond to public safety related matters as they arise. Emergency dispatch has included enhanced screenings to further diagnose any calls with infectious diseases.
7. Historical Museum will be closed indefinitely until further notice.
Other actions taken:
● The Town of Franklin is providing weekly deep sanitization of all public facilities every weekend. This will continue until further notice.
● The Town has installed numerous hand sanitizing stations throughout our buildings and schools to help prevent the spread of this (or any) virus.
● We continue to monitor the latest information from state authorities.
● The March 21st Stormwater Forum at the Public Library will be cancelled.
The following links are resources to find out information on best practices, travel restrictions and other facts about the spread of the virus. These are the three most trusted and factual sources of information for you and your family.
Center for Disease Control -- https://www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus/
Massachusetts Department of Public Health -- www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus Town of Franklin -- https://www.franklinma.gov/
Download your copy of the file
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eYh_NvOoJnUGa--I9NOMlFVI1S91kBHS/view?usp=sharing
After much consideration, out of an abundance of caution, Franklin Public Schools will be closed through March 27, 2020. We recognize that this creates a disruption in our daily lives. We did not make this decision lightly, but the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
Please see the attached memo in the e-mail for more town and school-based information. Additional details will be forthcoming later today from FPS administration.
Kindly,
Franklin Public Schools
-----------------
Based on the evolving conditions associated with the COVID-19 outbreak occurring throughout the state, in consultation with the Franklin Board of Health, town emergency management officials, we have made the decision to close the Franklin Public Schools and most town buildings, beginning today, Friday, March 13, 2020. As the situation remains fluid, we anticipate remaining closed for approximately two weeks (through March 27, 2020) resuming operations March 30th where the Town will resume business; however, this may change based on direction from state and local health officials as more information becomes available.
We realize this decision has a significant impact and far-reaching ramifications for our community and understand the disruption and uncertainty that is created for everyone. However, we believe these steps are necessary given the current realities. We encourage all families to take a step back, please follow best hygiene and prevention practices as instructed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and to be patient. We do not make this decision lightly, but making decisions to help prevent transmission of the virus is paramount.
We encourage every Franklin resident, business and visitor to follow the latest guidance from local authorities on our Coronavirus Information Portal here on the Franklin homepage. More information on each departments level of service will continue to be updated here: https://www.franklinma.gov/
Effective immediately, we will be ordering the following public facility closures and restrictions:
1. Franklin Public School District will be closed beginning today, March 13th, 2020. The schools anticipate opening Monday, March 30th.
The FPS Administration is considering numerous factors at this time, including how to provide for continuity of services, including feeding children. Additional information will be forthcoming this afternoon and in the coming days. School based staff should not report on Monday, March 16, 2020. Additional expectations for staff will be communicated soon.
This information will be sent to families and staff via Regroup as well as posted on our webpage: https://www.franklinps.net/
2. Franklin Senior Center will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to conduct outreach and assistance to seniors in need. Staff will be readily available by telephone at 508-520-4926 during regular business hours to answer questions and offer any assistance. Franklin Senior Center staff are also spending time disinfecting the entire building during the week, as well.
As stated by the CDC, older adults and those with serious illnesses are especially at high risk to contract the virus and have greater risk of complications from the virus. Please visit the Franklin website for additional information. We are urging our senior citizen population to continue to be vigilant, avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing and good hygiene, and to stay home as much as possible to limit exposure to Coronavirus.
3. Franklin Public Library will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to operate business via online services and will be available by phone during modified business hours at 508-520-4941.
Modified business hours will be 9AM to 5PM Monday through Saturday where staff will be available by phone. All programs at the Library are cancelled for this duration.
Any late fines will be waived through at least March 27th.
4. Franklin Recreation Building will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to operate business via online services. The Franklin Recreation Department operates all of its program registration online and individuals may continue to sign up for programs. The Town is cancelling all recreation programs through March 30th.
5. Municipal Building & DPW Administration Building will remain open during regular business hours for the time being. We are working through the legal factors relating to public meetings, public hearings and our ability to continue to conduct regular business as much as possible. Public bodies, such as elected Boards, must continue to work,unless further directed by the state. We hope to have additional information at the beginning of next week on the status.
We encourage all residents to use our online business options for permits, payments online at our online customer service center.
https://unipaygold.unibank.com/customerinfo.aspx https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/
6. Police and Fire Department will remain open to respond to public safety related matters as they arise. Emergency dispatch has included enhanced screenings to further diagnose any calls with infectious diseases.
7. Historical Museum will be closed indefinitely until further notice.
Other actions taken:
● The Town of Franklin is providing weekly deep sanitization of all public facilities every weekend. This will continue until further notice.
● The Town has installed numerous hand sanitizing stations throughout our buildings and schools to help prevent the spread of this (or any) virus.
● We continue to monitor the latest information from state authorities.
● The March 21st Stormwater Forum at the Public Library will be cancelled.
The following links are resources to find out information on best practices, travel restrictions and other facts about the spread of the virus. These are the three most trusted and factual sources of information for you and your family.
Center for Disease Control -- https://www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus/
Massachusetts Department of Public Health -- www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus Town of Franklin -- https://www.franklinma.gov/
Download your copy of the file
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eYh_NvOoJnUGa--I9NOMlFVI1S91kBHS/view?usp=sharing
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One of the many casualties of the closing will be the monthly book sale |
FM #224 Health Director Cathleen Liberty on the coronavirus (audio)
FM #224 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 224 in the series.
Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty took some time from her schedule to sit and talk about the coronavirus and the steps to take to respond to it.
Don’t panic, she says: “The Board of Health recommendation is to go about your normal life, however, if you are showing any type of symptoms, stay home, stay away from people.”
The Coronavirus portal on the Town page is being updated regularly as information from the CDC and MA Dept of Public Health is available.
What you won’t find there are any numbers on current cases, spending time and effort to update those when the situation is so dynamic is not a good use of time.
What you will find there is accurate and directly from the CDC, the MA Dept of Public Health, etc.
The audio segment runs about 10 minutes, so let’s listen in to my discussion with Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty.
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrytChYX
--------------
Town of Franklin Coronavirus Information Portal
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty took some time from her schedule to sit and talk about the coronavirus and the steps to take to respond to it.
Don’t panic, she says: “The Board of Health recommendation is to go about your normal life, however, if you are showing any type of symptoms, stay home, stay away from people.”
The Coronavirus portal on the Town page is being updated regularly as information from the CDC and MA Dept of Public Health is available.
What you won’t find there are any numbers on current cases, spending time and effort to update those when the situation is so dynamic is not a good use of time.
What you will find there is accurate and directly from the CDC, the MA Dept of Public Health, etc.
The audio segment runs about 10 minutes, so let’s listen in to my discussion with Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty.
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrytChYX
--------------
Town of Franklin Coronavirus Information Portal
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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FM #224 Health Director Cathleen Liberty on the coronavirus (audio) |
St John's Episcopal Church Suspends Worship & Programs for 2 weeks
"For the next two weeks, through March 26th, all programs and worship at St John's will be cancelled. That includes the Newcomers' Brunch, Junior Youth Group, Wed Morning Prayer, The Mind-Body-Spirit March dates, Sunday worship, and Church School.
I will livestream worship on Sunday at 10am via FaceBook. We will reach out to those in the parish who don't have email, and encourage all of you to stay connected with each other by phone.
Please remember that God is ever present with us in this time of uncertainty, and be not afraid."
Many blessings,
The Rev. Kathy McAdams, Rector
857-237-9428
www.StJohnsFranklinMA.org
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St John's Episcopal Church Suspends Worship & Programs for 2 weeks |
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Mar 13 to THU - Mar 19
This is a snap shot of the calendar as of early Friday morning. Please check with the online calendar and or facility where the event is scheduled for updates. The scheduling of events due to the pandemic is dynamic.
Note - updated 3/13/20 PM - The Library, Senior Center, and all Recreation activities have been canceled. The facilities are closed "indefinitely"
For the interactive version, please visit
Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link
Note - updated 3/13/20 PM - The Library, Senior Center, and all Recreation activities have been canceled. The facilities are closed "indefinitely"
Friday, March 13
9:00am
Library-Baby-Wearing Dance Party-Ages 0-12mo
10:00am
Knitting Group
10:30am
Library-Happy Feet!-Ages 2-4
3:30pm
Library-Chess Club for Kids-Ages 8-13
Saturday, March 14
10:00am
Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)
10:00am
Library - Technology Help with Nerds To Go - Adults
1:00pm
Library- Girls Who Code!- Ages 6th-8th Grade
7:30pm
FPAC performs "Legally Blonde The Musical"
8:00pm
Cancelled -> The Squeezebox Stompers: Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
Sunday, March 15
1:00pm
Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
2:00pm
FPAC performs "Legally Blonde The Musical"
3:00pm
Library - Padula's Jazz, Etc - All ages
Monday, March 16
10:30am
Library-Move Along- Ages 0-5
3:30pm
Library- D&D for Kids- Ages 7-13
Tuesday, March 17
St. Patrick's Day
9:30am
Library- Cool Cruisers- 8mo-18mo
10:30am
Library-Get Ready for Kindergarten- 3-5yrs
4:00pm
Library - Code I.T. Ages 4th grade +
4:00pm
Library-Code I.T.-Ages 4th grade+
4:00pm
Library-Toe-Tapping Tuesdays-Ages 2-4!
6:00pm
Library - Adults - Drop-In ESL Conversation Class
7:00pm
Leaping into Kindergarten
Wednesday, March 18
10:30am
Library- Terrific Toddlers- Ages 18mo-3yrs
3:30pm
Library- Creation Station!- Ages 4+
6:00pm
Library-RAD Storytellers Club!-Grades K+
6:30pm
“Taming Technology for Community Members”.
Thursday, March 19
8:30am
Town Council Office Hours
9:30am
Library- Tummy Time- Ages 0-12mo (pre-walkers)
10:30am
Library-Story Xplorers- Ages 0-5
4:00pm
Library- Bookworm Bounce Storytime!- Ages 0-5
6:00pm
Franklin Democratic Party Caucus - CANCELED
6:00pm
Library-Volunteens-Teens (13+)
For the interactive version, please visit
For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar
https://www.franklinma.gov/calendarSubmit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link
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Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Mar 13 to THU - Mar 19 |
DLS Alert: Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State’s Open Meeting Law
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"They were frustrated, but they knew it might be coming"
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides some insghts on the MIAA decision, and reaction from both the Foxboro and Franklin girls basketball teams who won't be playing on Saturday.
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-and-foxboro-girls-basketball-earn-respective-state-titles/
"Both the Franklin and Foxboro girls basketball team were practicing on Thursday evening when the news filtered through that both of their seasons had ended with a victory, although neither got the opportunity to complete their impressive seasons by taking the floor in a state championship game.Continue reading the article online
The MIAA announced early Thursday evening that it was canceling the state championship basketball games originally slated to be played on Saturday in Worcester out of concern for the COVID-19 pandemic. The six hockey state championship games scheduled for Sunday at the TD Garden were also canceled and the beginning of the spring season has been postponed for at least two weeks.
With the decision to cancel the finals, the teams that had reached this stage were declared co-champions. Foxboro will share the Div. 2 title with West champion Taconic, earning the Warriors a second state title in three seasons. Franklin finishes its season at 25-0 and will share the Div. 1 crown with North champion Andover, claiming the first state title in program history and widely regarded as the top team in the state.
For both teams, it is hard not feel the season’s end and the state titles were anti-climactic after the excitement of winning four or five tournament games."
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-and-foxboro-girls-basketball-earn-respective-state-titles/
FHS Girls Varsity Twitter photo https://twitter.com/fhsgvbasketball/status/1238212014138408960?s=20 |
Comcast Tourney Champs, Hockomock K-R Champs, #1 seed in the Central, Sectional Champs, Div 1 State Champs and an UNDEFEATED SEASON!!! CONGRATULATIONS on a PERFECT SEASON!!! You are all exceptional student-athletes!!! We are so proud of each of you and all this team accomplished! https://t.co/ZV69Vu1nqb— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) March 13, 2020
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