30.2% of Households Have Responded to the 2020 Census - 39% in Franklin!

Keep the 2020 Census responses going Franklin! 

We show a 39% response as of 3/26/20 which is more than MA (at 32%) and the nation at 30%

"The 2020 Census response rate map shows how cities and towns across the country are now responding. The map will be updated daily around 3 PM for everyone to see the response rate in their area and compare it to other areas across the nation. The map also shows the comparable response rate from the 2010 Census for each geography."

2020 Census Response interactive page  https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html

30.2% of Households Have Responded to the 2020 Census - 39% in Franklin!

39% response as of 3/26/20 which is more than MA (at 32%)

Once Upon A Town: Paul DeBaggis - Franklin MA (YouTube)

"Paul Debaggis, a former member of the Franklin, Massachusetts Planning Board, Board of Selectmen and Town Council, and today a veteran building inspector, shares his stories of a town that led Massachusetts in growth at many points over the past 50 years"

https://youtu.be/p5sc_cXHics

In the News: DPH commissioner positive for coronavirus

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, who has been at the center of the state’s efforts to respond to the outbreak of a deadly coronavirus, has tested positive for COVID-19, according the Department of Public Health, and will recuperate at home as she continues to work remotely.

Bharel, in a statement, said she was tested Thursday night and received her results back Friday.

“As the public health commissioner and an essential state employee, I have been vigilant about practicing social distancing from my colleagues and members of the public. My symptoms so far have been mild. I have notified my appropriate close contacts and will rest and recuperate at home, while continuing to carry out my work responsibilities remotely,” Bharel said in a statement.

The Department of Public Health said its offices, which are also headquarters for the coronavirus command center being led by Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, will be “thoroughly cleaned over the weekend.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200327/dph-commissioner-positive-for-coronavirus

FTC Scam Alert: Socially distancing from COVID-19 robocall scams

Socially distancing from COVID-19 robocall scams by Karen Hobbs, Assistant Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Scammers – and scammy companies – are using illegal robocalls to profit from Coronavirus-related fears. Listen to some of the latest scammy robocall pitches, so you can be on the lookout and know how to respond. (Here's a hint: hang up!) Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/socially-distancing-covid-19-robocall-scams  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Franklin Residents: Coronavirus Information Portal (Updates Here!)

Coronavirus Information Portal (Updates Here!)

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 Local, State and Federal agencies. Please check back frequently. 

March 27, 2020, Most recent update at 2:30 PM

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CURRENT NEWS

COVID-19 MEMA Update March 26, 2020 - Updated Daily M-F New
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/covid-19_response_command_center_sitrep_03.26.20.pdf

Massachusetts Announces State Income Tax Filing Deadline Being Extended to July 15

Governor Baker orders schools and non-emergency childcare centers to close until May 4th. (March 25)

Baker-Polito Administration Announce COVID-19 Advisory Board (March 25)

Governor Baker issues closure of all non-essential business effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at noon. 

List of Essential Businesses

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TOWN OF FRANKLIN UPDATES

Based on the escalating global COVID-19 pandemic, effective March 16, 2020, the Franklin Town and School Administration offices, as well as all Franklin public buildings will be closed to the public through May 4th, 2020.  Beginning Friday, March 20th, 2020, at 12:00 Noon, all staff will be prohibited from entering any public facilities through May 4th, as well.

• Town Administrator Update: Closure of Facilities until May 4th (March 27) New
• Franklin Senior Center Update (March 27, 2020) Please find the attached memo of updates, resources, and support  New
• Coronavirus Customer Service Updates Department by Department (Last updated March 27, 2020)
• Franklin Public Schools Coronavirus Updates Portal (Updated Regularly)
• Board of Health confirms the first COVID-19 case in Franklin (March 22, 2020)
• Trash and Recycling pickup will continue to be picked up on their normal schedule. The Beaver Street Recycling Center will be closed through May 4th. Curbside clothing recycling is canceled until further notice.
• All municipal parks and playgrounds will be CLOSED to the public. All Franklin Public School grounds and facilities are also closed to the public. Nature trails are OK to use. 
• As of March 18, 2020, drive-through window service will be suspended.

Bill Payments & Permitting

1. White dropbox - residents can drop off payments by check and money order only, census forms, etc. in the white dropbox (mailbox) located on the side of the municipal building. 
2. Permitting and Online Payments (property and real estate, water/sewer/trash, excise taxes) can also be found online:
   1. Online payments
   2. Online Permitting Portal

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Community Resources

The Town of Franklin recognizes the enormous impact the COVID-19 closures and restrictions are having on our community. Please find a variety of helpful resources below.

Unemployment Resources

• Business & Employee Support During COVID-19 Outbreak - Updated 3/26
• Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance
• Information on Unemployment & COVID-19 
• Unemployment Application 
• MEMA Resources & Guidance for Businesses

Food, Housing & Transportation Assistance 

• Milford Regional Medical Center COVID-19 Screening Assessment & Hotline
• Franklin Food Pantry has updated its hours of operation and its processes. As of March 31, Franklin Food Pantry will ONLY be open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30-12:30 pm AND 1:30-4:00 pm. Click for additional details. 
• Hockomock YMCA assistance
• Citizen's Planning & Housing Association
• GATRA Critical service information and contacts
• Neighbor Brigade (Franklin Chapter) 
• Project Bread can help callers with SNAP applications over the phone. The number is 800-645-8333 and they are open 8:00 am -7:00 pm, Mon-Fri and 10:00 am -2:00 pm on Saturdays throughout the crisis. 

Mental Health & Stress Resources

• Maintaining Emotional Health & Well-being During the COVID-19 Outbreak
• Protecting your Mental Health During the Outbreak
• Combating Isolation and Loneliness
• Managing Stress and Anxiety
• Coping with Fear and Stress during the COVID-19 Outbreak
• Mental Health Crisis Support
• Finding Trusted Information Sources and Avoiding Scams 
• Multilingual Resources
• Stigma & Discrimination Prevention

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Important Links & Best Practices

All employees and residents should read the CDC guidelines for personal hygiene and social distancing.  These are the most important things any employee/resident can do to help stop the spread and transmission of the coronavirus (or any virus!). 

• Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• Center for Disease Control (CDC)
• www.Mass211.org provides up-to-date information Massachusetts residents are urged to use 2-1-1 for information, resources, and referrals regarding COVID-19. Operators are staffing this hotline 24/7 and translators are available in multiple languages. Residents with questions can dial 2-1-1 from any landline or cellphone or use the live chat option on the Mass 211 website. 
• Text alerts to stay informed. Text COVIDMA to 888-777 
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Update from the ABCC - No On-Premises Alcohol Consumption 
• Best Practices for Prevention and Treatment 
• Information for Deaf & Hearing Impaired 
• How to Stop the Spread of Germs (CDC Video) 
• Workplace, School and Home Best Practices
• USDA Guidance regarding food safety
• What to do if you are sick (CDC) 
• How to prevent COVID-19 with social distancing (CDC)
• Steps to prevent illness
• How to protect yourself
• Flattening the Curve Information from Sturdy Memorial Hospital
• State of Massachusetts Assemblage Guidance from Governor Baker (March 15th)
• Large gathering Information from the CDC (March 15th) 
• How to clean your smartphone (and other computer hardware) 

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Prior Department Messages

• Messages from Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern (March 8th, Feb 28th)
• Franklin Police Response to COVID-19 (March 13, 2020)
• Franklin Police Quick Reference Guide to COVID-19 response
• State Fire Marshall Update on Licensing & Inspections
• Council on Aging COVID1-19 update (March 16, 2020)
• Letter from Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern regarding facilities closure (March 16, 2020) 
• Letter from Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern regarding Coronavirus 
• A letter from the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern Regarding Coronavirus and School closings

Franklin Residents: Coronavirus Information Portal (Updates Here!)

Calendar updates, and the band played on - a COVID-19 playlist

With all our schedules completely revised by this COVID-19 pandemic, the community calendar tab has been 'unpublished' for now. 

However, there are good things happening so a new schedule of virtual events is coming together. In the meantime, here are a few of the music videos I have seen this week that qualify for me as 'share worthy'.

If you find one or more, please send an email, or add a comment and we can build a YouTube playlist of COVID-19 music to help our spirits.

https://youtu.be/QagzdvzzHBQ



https://youtu.be/wVYPVvS-mI4



https://youtu.be/hN7Vim0mIE8



https://youtu.be/p09hpKAv9Jc




https://youtu.be/Y4E3tHaZBlc




https://youtu.be/xBV8PWayZlo



What would you add to this?

5 FHS Music Students performed with the MA All State Honor Band and Jazz Band

Massachusetts Music Educators Association held the 2020 All-State Music Festival on the weekend of March 5-7. Five students from the Franklin High School music program were selected for an ensemble and performed at Symphony Hall in Boston that Sunday.

The annual All-State Conference features as many as 120 teacher workshops, several concert hours and casual concerts, and is attended by more than 800 music educators and 500 of Massachusetts' top student musicians performing band, orchestral, jazz or choral repertoire.

The Franklin High School students selected to the All-State Orchestra are: Christopher Broyles - Viola, Chai Harsha - Viola, Emma Kucich- Flute. Lauren Dennett performed Clarinet with the All State Concert Band and Jenna VanHyning performed with the All State Chorus.

"The all-state experience is a chance for some of our advanced players to surround themselves with the best student musicians in the state," said Diane Plouffe, Director of Music. "The audition process alone exposes students to other local musicians outside of the Franklin Public Schools who are striving for musical excellence and achievement in their community and school. We are proud of all of our students."

From left to right: Chai Harsha, Lauren Dennett, Christopher Broyles, Lauren Dennett, Jenna VanHyning

Tri-County RVTHS Donates Medical Supplies to Facilities in Need of PPE

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School delivered medical supplies, including Clorox wipes, face masks, gowns, hand sanitizer, and safety glasses, gathered from several of its program departments to facilities in need of personal protection equipment (PPE). These PPE supplies are critical in keeping medical staff safe as they combat COVID-19. Facilities include UMass Memorial, Sturdy Memorial and Countryside Manor.

Several Tri-County graduates who are now working in the medical field have been coordinating with Health Careers instructor Suzanne Dodakian to get these medical supplies, which are in high-demand in the midst of this global pandemic, where they are needed.

“There is no doubt that our doctors, nurses and caretakers are needed now more than ever,” said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. “We are grateful to be able to help them do their jobs and do them safely. Thank you to every medical staff member who is selflessly working to take care of their communities and those who in need of treatment.”

With support from Facilities Director, Harry Takesian, Vocational Coordinator, Cathie Rebelo, and LPN teachers, Patricia Munger, Tara Lane, Maureen Johnson, Suzanne Dodakian, and Lisa Ferrigno we were able to collect, box, and deliver these supplies. From all of us at Tri-County: Stay home, stay healthy, and stay safe.

 

From left to right: Cathie Rebelo, Stephen Dockray, Harry Takesian

From left to right: Patricia Munger, Tara Lane, Maureen Johnson, Suzanne Dodakian, and Lisa Ferrigno

Pink bags suspended, clothing recycling program on hold

I missed an update along the way. While the trash and recycling schedule remains the same, the clothing pickups by Simply Recycling (the pink bags) have been suspended.

Shared via Facebook (and confirmed with a conversation with DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi, that you should hear soon)

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/photos/a.938433076241163/2980216915396092/

Don't put the pink bags out when you put out your trash/recycling

Once Upon A Town: Ray Block - Franklin MA (YouTube)

"Hosts Joe Landry and Eamon McCarthy Earls delve into the story of the Ray Block, home to a succession of banks from the 1800s into the present day in downtown Franklin, Massachusetts"

https://youtu.be/X8fJlV-BhYQ

v

Help the Franklin Downtown Partnership get your business info out to the community

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is creating a list of business updates during this period of social distancing on our website that will be easy for the community to find in one place.

We want to encourage residents to go online to buy gift cards if your business has them available. We also want residents to know if you offer delivery or if you have new hours.

By filling out the Google form linked in the FDP's March newsletter, the FDP can update its website and get your information out to the community. If you are not an FDP member and would like to have your Franklin business information listed, please email the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com and request the link to the Google form.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is here to help during this difficult time. We will continue to promote our Franklin business members and keep the community updated as things change.

Help the Franklin Downtown Partnership

FTC: Thinking critically about Coronavirus news and information

Thinking critically about Coronavirus news and information by Jennifer Leach, Associate Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC It's dizzying, the amount of information out there about the Coronavirus. You're dealing with story after story online and through social media, television, radio, and in newspapers and magazines — each with its own take — at all hours of the day and night, from all around the world. So how can we sort out what's real and what's not? Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/thinking-critically-about-coronavirus-news-and-information?  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Franklin Public Schools: Extension Of Closure Update - 3/25/20

March 25, 2020

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

As you may know, Governor Baker announced earlier today that he signed an executive order that all Massachusetts schools will remain closed through April, opening no earlier than Monday, May 4, 2020.

Both the Governor and Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner explained how the Department has been working to develop new guidance about Remote Learning in light of this extension. Superintendents are expecting to receive this guidance tomorrow and, after reviewing it, we will follow these guidelines and work cooperatively with the Franklin Education Association to build upon our initial engagement and enrichment since last week.

Per Commissioner Riley’s announcement this afternoon, our plan will begin in early April.

We will continue to keep the community informed as we continue to navigate these unprecedented circumstances. We sincerely hope that you are feeling well and that your families are staying safe.

Kind regards,

Sara Ahern 
Superintendent of Schools


The English language link
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/files/3-23-20-coronavirus-update-english

Other language for each notification can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus

 

Franklin Public Schools: Extension Of Closure Update - 3/25/20

FM #229 - Town Council Remote Mtg 3/25/20 (audio)

FM #229 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 229 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the first Town Council meeting held remotely via a conference bridge. It may not be the last as we all adhere to the new ‘social distance’ requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting was held for two reasons; one a practical agenda item, to revise the current Town Council meeting schedule; and two, to practice this new format so when the next meeting comes in April, folks would be better prepared.

The meeting runs just over 30 minutes, so let’s listen to the first remote meeting of the Franklin, MA Town Council. https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDvgbyqX




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Notes from my real time reporting of this meeting can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/real-time-reporting-town-council.html


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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

not a great photo but an example of the live meeting format

You ask - we answer: Dean Ave Apartment complex - Questions posed

Dean Ave Apartment complex - Question posed:

"How many parking spots are there for all those apartments? Has there been a traffic study? How will the neighborhood be impacted. Will the 30 mph speed limit on Dean be reduced with the additional cars, pedestrians, dogs, kids, commuters on the street?"

Q - How many parking spots are there for all those apartments?
Answer: 495 parking areas total, this INCLUDES 10 x 6 bay garages (60) per Apr 24 notes (page 4 of 8) and
490 proposed at 1.9 per apartment per the May 22 notes (bottom of page 6)

Q - Has there been a traffic study?
Answer: The May 22 notes discuss at some length a parking study and impacts as well as mitigations. Refer to the details there

Q - Will the 30 mph speed limit on Dean be reduced with the additional cars, pedestrians, dogs, kids, commuters on the street?
Answer: no, per notes speed reduction was not discussed. Sidewalks and roadway discussed

For reference: Planning Board dates and meeting notes
Initial hearing - Apr 24, 2017
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/april_24_2017.pdf

May 8, 2017 hearing requested to be continued
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/may_8_2017.pdf

May 22, 2017 hearing requested to be continued
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/may_22_2017.pdf

June 12, 2017 meeting notes for this and the June 26, 2017 meetings are not posted to the Town of Franklin page. The meeting notes of July 10, 2017 show the notes from both of these meetings were approved by 5-0 votes just before the meeting adjourned.

The July 10 meeting has no mention of this project so likely it was rescheduled from a prior meeting to a future one; at least to the July 24 meeting, where a record per the minutes does allow for the thread to be followed.

Updated: did get a copy of the Planning Board minutes from the Town and confirmed that the June 12 meeting the hearing was continued to July 24 with no additional discussion. The meeting notes for Jun 12 and Jun 26 will be shortly posted to the appropriate page.

July 24, 2017 hearing requested to be continued
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/july_24_2017.pdf

August 7, 2017 hearing requested to be continued
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/august_7_2017.pdf

August 21, 2017 hearing requested to be continued
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/august_21_2017.pdf

Sep 11, 2017 hearing requested to be continued
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/september_11_2017.pdf

Sep 25, 2017 - hearing finally closed off and vote made to approve
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/september_25_2017.pdf



If you have a question, ask it with this form and we'll get an answer
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/ask-franklin-matters-you-ask-question.html

You ask - we answer: Dean Ave Apartment complex - Questions posed