Franklin Matters

Monday, March 30, 2020

Wake Up With Mr. Barrett - 8 AM

Wake Up With Mr. Barrett TOMORROW morning- TuNesday! - @ 8:00 a.m.!

Click HERE for the concert: https://youtu.be/sgGotObCGF0

Hope to see you there!!!

Wake Up With Mr. Barrett - 8 AM

FM #231 Franklin (MA) DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi 3/26/20 (audio)

FM #231 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 231 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin (MA) DPW Director Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi. We did a conference all to adhere to the ‘social distance’ requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brutus reviews with us how his department had adjusted operations to maintain services during this COVID-19 pandemic period.

The conversation runs about 14 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Brutus. https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6fpNgMX

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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"

construction alert for King St and Washington St intersection

What Small Businesses Need Now

"A month ago, if you had told me that schools and colleges would be closed, graduations postponed, all NCAA and pro sports cancelled, restaurants and bars forcibly shuttered, non-‘essential’ businesses closed down, and gatherings of more than 10 persons forbidden, I would have thought you were cooking up an elaborate April Fool’s joke. If you had added that it would be impossible to purchase chicken, beef, eggs, or toilet paper, I would have asked what you were smoking.

Sigh. If only.

We’re living in some deeply weird times, which are presenting some unique challenges, none more so than for small businesses. Restaurants- my heart just breaks for them. Pubs and diners may be able to-barely-scrape by with takeout, but fine dining restaurants are not set up for that. Many of them will simply not survive this.

What Small Businesses Need Now

And what about other businesses that have been forced to close? Clothing stores, toy stores, book stores, nail and hair salons…yeah, way too many to name. Small businesses are fragile. More than 50% of new small businesses fail in the first year-in normal circumstances. Being forced to close your doors is not a normal circumstance. No money coming in, while rent, utilities, insurance, and other liabilities still need to be paid? That’s a small business nightmare.

The coronavirus relief bill that (finally) passed Congress will help, but will it be in time, and will it be enough? Honestly, we all need to do our part to ensure that the small businesses that keep our communities vital can hang on until this is over.

So please, if you can, order takeout from a local restaurant. Contact services you usually use (hair, nails, massage, etc) and buy a gift certificate. They’ll get the money now, you can use the service later. Before buying something from Amazon, see if a local merchant would be willing to deliver that item to you. If a shop is still open, but you don’t want to enter a public space, ask if they’ll do curbside pickup for you. Each of these is a small gesture, but a multitude of small gestures just may save these businesses.

Eventually, this too shall pass. Let’s help make sure our treasured small businesses survive to see that day."

Ann Williams - Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits https://pourrichardswine.com/

Shared with permission
https://pourrichardswine.com/whats-new/what-small-businesses-need-now/

Attention Franklin: Parks, playgrounds, fields are closed

Parks, playgrounds, fields are closed

All Town & Public Schools grounds, playgrounds, turf fields, grass fields, and the track are closed until further notice.

Trails are still open. https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/files/fields-playgrounds

Please practice social distancing and avoid groups.

sign at the King St fields

COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Program

"The Baker-Polito Administration announced an online portal where individuals and companies can easily donate or sell personal protective equipment (PPE) and volunteer to support the COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts. This effort will ensure that front line responders get the protective equipment they need to stay and push for more trained volunteers to join the response.

“Massachusetts has already received generous donations from countless organizations, and by launching this portal we’ll make it easier to streamline these offers and quickly distribute supplies to those in need,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We also need more volunteers to help support our response to this unprecedented public health emergency, and urge people to sign up to lend a hand. Our administration will continue making every effort to secure supplies from all possible resources to support our front line workers during these tough times.”

The Commonwealth’s COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Program creates an easy portal allowing companies and organizations to sell or donate protective equipment that is in short supply given the global demands for such items."

For additional info
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-launches-online-portal-for-personal-protective-equipment

Visit the COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation web page
https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-ppe-procurement-and-donation-program

Shared via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1244287599881191429

COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Program

National Recording Registry Class Produces Ultimate 'Stay at Home' Playlist

"The gentle sounds of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”; Russ Hodges’ thrilling play-by-play of the National League tiebreaker between the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1951; the Village People’s international dance anthem, “Y.M.C.A.”; “Cheap Trick at Budokan”; and the original 1964 Broadway cast recording of “Fiddler on the Roof” are among the newest recordings inducted into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden today named these and 20 other recordings as aural treasures worthy of preservation because of their cultural, historical and aesthetic importance to the nation’s recorded sound heritage.

“The National Recording Registry is the evolving playlist of the American soundscape. It reflects moments in history captured through the voices and sounds of the time,” said Hayden. “We received over 800 nominations this year for culturally, historically or aesthetically significant recordings to add to the registry. As genres and formats continue to expand, the Library of Congress is committed to working with our many partners to preserve the sounds that have touched our hearts and shaped our culture.”

Under the terms of the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, the Librarian, with advice from the Library’s National Recording Preservation Board (NRPB), is tasked with annually selecting 25 titles that are “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and are at least 10 years old. More information on the National Recording Registry can be found at loc.gov/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/about-this-program/.

Continue reading about this https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-20-023/?loclr=ealn

Listen link can be found here
https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/recording-registry/listen-to-registry-titles/

National Recording Registry Class Produces Ultimate 'Stay at Home' Playlist

In the News: 6 videos to help you make sense of the coronavirus outbreak

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

"Check out videos including a hands-on experiment using black pepper and soap to show the importance of washing your hands to an analysis of the accuracy of pandemic scenes from film and TV. Or check out scientists to historians talking about coronavirus, the flu and the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic.

In times of confusion and misinformation, knowledge is power. With the novel coronavirus dominating headlines and the news changing by the hour, though, it can be difficult to determine fact from fiction.

Here are six informative, accessible videos to help explain the spread of the pandemic."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200329/watch-6-videos-to-help-you-make-sense-of-coronavirus-outbreak

And from the CDC: https://youtu.be/TjcoN9Aek24

Sunday, March 29, 2020

FM #230 - Lynn Calling, Franklin Food Pantry - 3/25/20 (audio)

FM #230 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 230 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Lynn Calling, the Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. We did a conference all to adhere to the ‘social distance’ requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lynn discusses how we can help the Pantry and how the Pantry has been changing their operations due to the precautions of the pandemic and ‘social distancing’.

The conversation runs 15 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Lynn.
Audio file - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-265-franklin-food-pantry-new-bldg-plus-5-04-20

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Food Pantry home page https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org

Donate directly https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-funds/

The current needs listing https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/

For the record, I had an active relationship with the Pantry from 2010 to 2015 during which time I also lead the Board of Directors. I continue to support the Pantry with financial donations and by sharing what they do via the Franklin Matters social channels.

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

FM #230 - Lynn Calling, Franklin Food Pantry - 3/25/20 (audio)

Franklin, MA: A COVID-19 night (photo walk)

I had no trouble keeping 'social distance' walking around downtown Franklin on Friday night (3/27/20). It was great weather, a clear half moon sky, and quiet.

Eerily quiet. A couple of boys on bikes were riding around. A car passed every once in a while. As you'll see, no cars were parked along Main St. Teddie Gallagher's and Acapulcos are usually busy but not tonight.

Enjoy the photos. Be safe, be social (at a distance!)

The Flickr album can be found online:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157713655767201

Franklin, MA: A COVID-19 night (photo walk)

Franklin Public Schools: Update to families on closure extension to May 4

March 28, 2020

"Dear Franklin Families,

Remote Learning Update

Many families in the community have reached out inquiring about a more comprehensive Remote Learning Plan for Franklin students. Our approach has been to connect early with our students, focusing on relationships and children’s social-emotional well-being. Following initial guidance from DESE, we asked educators to reach out to students to connect as well as to provide enrichment opportunities that would keep students engaged.

As you know, Governor Baker extended school closure to May 4. DESE was charged with developing additional guidance around districts’ Remote Learning Plans. This guidance was developed with input from the MTA and AFT-MA (statewide educators’ union associations), MASS (Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents), MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committees), and MPTA (Massachusetts Parent Teacher’s Association) and was released on Thursday. The Commissioner of Education held conference calls with Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents yesterday (Friday 3/27/2020).

This guidance provides both new and additional recommendations around which to deliver remote learning experiences to students, and, while leaving room for local decision making, aims to bring some consistency state-wide. Suggested implementation is early April. We want to be sure that you are aware that guidance has been issued and that the administration and FEA are working together to develop a framework that will build on the SEL connections and enrichment educators are currently providing.

The guidance can be found on the MA DESE COVID-19 Resource Page: http://www.doe.mass.edu/sfs/emergencyplan/covid19.html

A letter from the Commissioner will also be sent to families early next week.

Chromebook Borrowing
We are preparing to provide another opportunity during the week of March 30 for K-8 students who need a device to access remote learning opportunities to borrow a Chromebook. We ask that you complete the linked form only if your child needs access to a device because you do not have an alternative for them to access during the day at home. Please complete this form by NOON on Monday, March 30 so that we can prepare a device. Pickup time will be communicated next week. Form: https://forms.gle/XHUCgcczad6uEaNy5

Medication Pickup
We are aware that families may need to come to school to pick up medications now that school closure has been extended. We are making arrangements to open our building for this purpose and will communicate a date and time next week. If you need more immediate assistance, please contact your child’s principal.

Remote Tech Support
Our team of IT technicians are doing a great job in developing and supporting our new, virtual work and learning environment. They are available to assist with remote technical support. If you need technical assistance for a device, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/3vZKj3gNo5L8i5Ey8

If your child needs assistance with software or account support, we ask that you contact your child’s teacher.

XFINITY Free Wifi Details
The following link provides details on how you can access open XFinity WiFi, should you need Internet access. https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/open-xfinity-wifi-hotspots

With Gratitude
We appreciate your patience as we continue to adapt to an evolving situation. 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

Download a copy of this
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cm3fXGFBlFSsOQ-OOxeN9swpFzLdu5z6/view?usp=sharing

Multiple translations of this file will be made available on the FPS schools page soon https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus

Franklin Public Schools: Update to families on closure extention to May 4

Franklin Public Schools: Update to families on closure extension to May 4

Ihssane Leckey’s makeshift studio greets visitors as soon as they enter her apartment.

A lighting device is mounted to a step ladder, aimed at her desk. Her laptop is perched on top of a WiFi booster box. On a recent afternoon, she untangled any problems that might arise during her virtual town hall, which was scheduled to begin in about 30 minutes. A campaign worker beamed in on her screen to assist in the troubleshooting, as her dog, Benji, stretched by her feet.

“This is the fun part: the problem-solving,” said Leckey, a social justice activist vying to fill the 4th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III, who is running for the Senate.

Just weeks ago, candidates - from presidential to local school board - were shaking hands, knocking on doors, and holding crowded campaign rallies. That’s all been halted, as health experts urge the public to practice social distancing to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200328/candidates-for-joe-kennedys-house-seat-get-creative-in-wake-of-corinavirus

Web pages for the 9 candidate who are in the running for Kennedy's seat

Ihssane Leckey https://ihssane.org/
Jesse Mermell https://jessemermell.com/
Herb Robinson http://www.herbrobinson.us/
Ben Sigel https://bensigelforcongress.com/
Becky Grossman https://beckygrossman.com/
Alan Khazei https://alankhazei.com/
Dave Cavell https://www.davecavell.com/
Jake Auchincloss https://www.jakeforma.com/
Thomas Stack https://www.shackforcongress.com/

In the News: A week of orders from Gov. Baker

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

"Since Gov. Charlie Baker declared a coronavirus state of emergency on March 10, the executive branch has been busy spelling out in orders, advisories and guidance documents exactly what should and what should not happen as the state deals with the pandemic.

Some of the governor’s order and directives have widespread and sweeping consequences - the closure of all non-essential businesses and an urging to stay at home as much as possible - while others are more narrow and are meant to address fairly specific issues, like pharmacy operations.

But during the state of emergency, the orders handed down by the governor function essentially as temporary laws and the steady rollout of new executive actions sheds some light on the various fronts on which state government and public health officials are fighting the new coronavirus."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200329/week-of-orders-from-gov-baker

The listing of press releases on the Executive Orders released can be found online
https://www.mass.gov/lists/press-releases-related-to-covid-19

In the News: A week of orders from Gov. Baker

Inspector General Warns About New Social Security Benefit Suspension Scam

"Today, I am warning the public about fraudulent letters threatening suspension of Social Security benefits due to COVID-19 or coronavirus-related office closures. Social Security will not suspend or discontinue benefits because their offices are closed.

The Social Security Office of the Inspector General has received reports that Social Security beneficiaries have received letters through the U.S. Mail stating their payments will be suspended or discontinued unless they call a phone number referenced in the letter.

Scammers may then mislead beneficiaries into providing personal information or payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency, or by mailing cash, to maintain regular benefit payments during this period of COVID-19 office closures."

Continue reading this warning about social security benefits scams
https://blog.ssa.gov/inspector-general-warns-about-new-social-security-benefit-suspension-scam/#more-4667

Franklin Matters

Monday, March 30, 2020

Wake Up With Mr. Barrett - 8 AM

FM #231 Franklin (MA) DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi 3/26/20 (audio)

What Small Businesses Need Now

Attention Franklin: Parks, playgrounds, fields are closed

COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Program

National Recording Registry Class Produces Ultimate 'Stay at Home' Playlist

In the News: 6 videos to help you make sense of the coronavirus outbreak

Sunday, March 29, 2020

FM #230 - Lynn Calling, Franklin Food Pantry - 3/25/20 (audio)

Franklin, MA: A COVID-19 night (photo walk)

Franklin Public Schools: Update to families on closure extension to May 4

Panther News Special Edition: March 27, 2020 (YouTube)

Keeping Calm during this COVID-19 pandemic

In the News: Candidates for Joe Kennedy’s House seat get creative in wake of corinavirus

In the News: A week of orders from Gov. Baker

Inspector General Warns About New Social Security Benefit Suspension Scam

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