In the News: Charles River Meadowlands study completed

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"After nearly two years of effort, the Beta Group recently completed a draft study of the Charles River Meadowlands in Bellingham, Franklin and Medway.

“Joining three communities around a shared natural asset, the Charles River Meadowlands, is what this project is all about,” said Kelly R. Carr, senior associate at BETA Group, Inc., the consulting firm that conducted the study.

Dating to early meetings in 2016, the Meadowlands Initiative (www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org) has sought to bring focus and awareness to the hundreds of acres of public wetlands and borderlands controlled by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the three towns.

Originally acquired in the 1970s and 1980s for flood control, and incorporated in the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area, the region has been gradually walled off from the public by roadways and rapid private development. However, each of the towns has land holdings for conservation and other purposes that abut the federal lands, effectively creating a large natural sanctuary similar in scale to the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord."

https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200422/charles-river-meadowlands-study-completed

View a copy of the full report:
https://3c2eb8ef-bdd5-452c-ac1c-90b53ffa5b46.filesusr.com/ugd/2fc87e_2111508ad75f4b71a15471c7c14ec28f.pdf

In the News: Charles River Meadowlands study completed

FHS Keep Music Alive #4 (video)

Dear Franklin Community,

The news released this week by Governor Baker was expected, but sad for all of us at Franklin High School. We are especially sad for our seniors who have worked so hard over the past 4 years and were looking forward to a traditional senior, "end of the year". The Franklin music department is so proud of our seniors and we thank you for all the wonderful memories.

Today's FHS Music Alive post will feature FHS senior, CJ Dexter on Baritone Saxophone. He will be attending UCONN in the fall to major in communications and music.

I am also including a video of a selection from the FHS Musical Theatre Company's final rehearsal before remote learning began. I would like to thank Mrs. Marianne Lonati, Ms. Renee Hersee and the entire cast of Chicago. I am deeply saddened that we will not get to see the final production. This selection is "Razzle Dazzle" from "Chicago", featuring senior Danny Harrington and the entire cast. The show was supposed to run March 20 and 21.

Enjoy!

Diane M. Plouffe

Director of Music

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin High School

CJ Dexter - Baritone Saxophone
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19GEwZ9xf1XJxHUrNAZyG9r8yNoDCazAC/view?usp=sharing





Danny Harrington and the FHS Cast of "Chicago"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FdaTDnboGhfYq5AsdO0wwwCRYM-fy4O9/view?usp=sharing 

FTC Sends 21 Letters Warning Marketers to Stop Making Unsupported Claims That Their Products and Therapies Can Effectively Treat Coronavirus

Supposed therapies range from stem cell infusions to acupuncture and ozone treatments

The Federal Trade Commission announced it has sent 21 additional letters warning marketers throughout the United States to stop making unsubstantiated claims that their products and therapies can treat or prevent coronavirus (COVID-19). This is third set of warning letters the FTC has sent to sellers of such products as part of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers from COVID-19 related scams.

The FTC previously sent warning letters to the sellers of supplements including colloidal silver, teas, essential oils, and other products pitched as scientifically proven coronavirus treatments. The letters announced today, however, address a wider range of products and supposed treatments, including some that may appear more medically sophisticated to consumers, such as acupuncture, intravenous (IV) "therapies" with high doses of Vitamin C, ozone therapy, and purported stem cell treatments. However, there is currently no scientific evidence that these products or services can treat or cure coronavirus.

The FTC sent the letters announced today to the companies and individuals listed below. The recipients are grouped based on the type of therapy, product, or service they pitched to supposedly prevent or treat coronavirus disease.

General Therapy Products, Vitamins, and Supplements:

• Abundant Life Wellness Center (homeopathic dilutions)
• Alkaline for Life at the Center for Better Bones (high-dose Vitamin C)
• Blessed Maine Herb Farm (herbal therapy)
• Ethos Natural Medicine LLC (Kratom tablets and powders)
• Fast Relief Acupuncture (acupuncture and herbal therapy)
• Greenbelt Outdoors (high-dose Vitamin C)
• Jiva Med Spa (supplements)
• Personal Health Shop (elderberry)
• REVIV (high-dose Vitamin C)

IV Therapy and Related Treatments:

• Absolute Health Clinic (IV Vitamin C; stem cell therapy)
• AwareMed (IV therapy)
• Liquivida Lounge (IV therapy; Vitamin C)
• Merge Medical Center
• Prana IV Therapy (IV Vitamin C)
• Vidaful Medicine (IV Vitamin C; stem cell therapy; ozone therapy)
• Windhorse Naturopathic Clinic (IV Vitamin C)

Ozone Therapy:

• American Medical Aesthetics
• RowenSu Clinic
• TRLYHEAL Pty. Ltd.

Stem Cell Therapy:

• Center for Regenerative Cell Medicine
• Stemedix, Inc.

In the letters, the FTC states that one or more of the efficacy claims made by the marketers are unsubstantiated because they are not supported by scientific evidence, and therefore violate the FTC Act. The letters advise the recipients to immediately cease making all claims that their products can treat or cure coronavirus and to notify the FTC within 48 hours about the specific actions they have taken to address the agency's concerns.

The letters note that if the false claims do not cease, the Commission may seek a federal court injunction and an order requiring money to be refunded to consumers.

The letters announced today are the latest round of warnings the FTC has sent to sellers of products pitched as able treat or prevent coronavirus. The Commission also has sent letters to several Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers, warning them that it is illegal to aid or facilitate the transmission of pre-recorded telemarketing robocalls pitching supposed coronavirus-related products or services.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.

Shared from FTC
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/04/ftc-sends-21-letters-warning-marketers-stop-making-unsupported?utm_source=govdelivery

"Anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can join in"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest to Franklin.

"City and town halls across the state are largely silent this spring as efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus have forced public meetings online — leaving elected officials working to keep local government moving in the midst of a pandemic.

Until a few weeks ago, Kenneth Tavares — chairman of Plymouth’s Select Board and a 50-year veteran of town politics — never would have imagined holding video conference calls to conduct public business. Now, he feels differently.

"I think I'm a fan of it," Tavares said. "Thirty days ago, I don't think I would have said that to you."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/04/23/metro/midst-pandemic-public-meetings-continue-online/

In this pandemic time, the Town of Franklin is not alone in moving to virtual meetings. While the Governor's Executive Order has allowed for these, and they do work, although they would seem to take longer, that is a small price to pay. Questions remain to be resolved to make this a standard practice. 

In the BCE (before coronavirus era), an open meeting basically meant, the location of the meeting was physically open for anyone to walk in, even if handicapped. In this digital arena, internet access seems to be the default. 

However, how do other forms of handicap get addressed? Assuming internet is broadly available (a big assumption), how does the online platform enable someone with a hearing disability participate? The Governor's press updates have an individual signing American Sign Language (ASL). That provides the information outward. How would a hearing impaired person, ask a question or provide feedback on a topic?

What does accessible meant for an open meeting in this digital/virtual world?
 

one of three screens of users for the Town Council meeting Weds (over 60 at peak)

Legislature Acts to Allow Virtual Notarization

Today House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Senate President Karen E. Spilka along with their colleagues in the House of Representatives and the Senate passed legislation to authorize notary publics to perform notary actions using video conferencing during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

“During the public health emergency it has been difficult for the public to process certain legal transactions especially those on behalf of those who are sick or dying, therefore the Legislature acted to ensure notaries can conduct business virtually in order to adhere to physical distancing measures,” said Speaker Robert DeLeo (D – Winthrop). “We must make sure that families, individuals, and businesses can execute wills, proxies, real estate transactions, and other important documents during the COVID-19 public health crisis. I am grateful to Chairs Michlewitz and Cronin for their work to act on this important issue.”

"Allowing for virtual notarization will mean important legal transactions can continue unimpeded, which is good for our economy and the Commonwealth as a whole," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "I am pleased to see this legislation advance as it will provide a safe alternative for residents and businesses during this public health crisis. I'd like to thank Senators Michael Rodrigues, John Keenan, Minority Leader Bruce Tarr as well as Speaker DeLeo and our House partners for their collaboration on this issue."

The legislation applies requirements for authorized notary publics to use electronic video conferencing for documents requiring notarization including those related to a mortgage or other conveyance of title to real estate, will, nomination of guardian or conservator, caregiver authorization affidavit, trust, durable power of attorney, or health care proxy.

The legislation includes the following provisions, which will be in place until three business days after termination of the March 10, 2020 declaration of a State of Emergency:

· Authorizes a notary public appointed under the laws of the Commonwealth to perform an acknowledgement, affirmation or other notarial act using video conferencing in real time;
· Makes valid notarial acts using video conferencing when the notary public and each principal are physically located within the Commonwealth as well as other provisions;
· Requires notaries to record the video conference and retain a copy of the conference; and related documentation for 10 years.

"By enacting electronic notarization legislation, we will ensure that crucial area of our economy will continue to function in a safe and responsible manner throughout the COVID-19 public health crisis," said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D – Boston).

“This legislation will allow members of our communities to conduct necessary estate planning and real estate transactions safely without risking exposure to COVID-19 through the typical in-person notarization process,” said Representative Claire Cronin, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Judiciary (D – Easton). “Allowing for documents such as wills, durable powers of attorney, and deeds to be notarized utilizing video conferencing technology, while also including important safeguards to protect the integrity of the process, will enable these important transactions to continue to be carried out under existing public health restrictions. The steps taken by the House today will keep our communities safer during these unprecedented times."

“I am pleased Massachusetts has joined the over 30 states across the country that allow for remote notarization during this emergency,” said Senator John F. Keenan (D-Quincy). “We have given our families and friends facing difficult decisions, some peace of mind that they now have the ability to complete proper arrangements should they need to.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to adjust many of our normal routines and the way we conduct business for the sake of protecting public health and safety,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R – North Reading). “This bill makes needed temporary changes to the notarization process to ensure that the execution of wills, the conveyance of property titles, and other important transactions can continue to take place while still observing proper safety protocols.”

“Documents like wills, trusts, healthcare proxies and those involving real estate are critically important, and we can't let them be out of reach because of the need for social distancing,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R- Gloucester). “This bill allows technology to bridge the gap between protecting public health and keeping the integrity of the notarization process - meaning that legal documents can resume doing the job of estate planning, protecting assets, and facilitating transactions during this public health emergency.”

The bill, which is the latest action by the Legislature to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, has advanced to the Governor desk.

 

Legislature Acts to Allow Virtual Notarization

Town of Franklin Department Spotlights: Facilities

Our buildings may be temporarily closed but all of our departments are still hard at work getting important jobs and services done! 

Our first Spotlight is on the Facilities Department and it can be found here https://sites.google.com/view/spotlight-facilities/home

More Spotlights will be coming soon so stay tuned!! They can also be found on our social media

Town of Franklin Department Spotlights: Facilities

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/introducing-department-spotlights
 

FM #252 Town Council Special COVID-19 Roundtable 4/22/20 (audio)

FM #252 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 252 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the recording of the virtual Town Council meeting held on April 22, 2020 from approx 4:30 PM to almost 6:30 PM. The virtual meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer opened the meeting reading the new statement on open meetings per the Governor’s Executive Order. Some participants connected via phone only, some via a system device with video image. The meeting recording ends with the completion of the vote to adjourn conducted via roll call.

Everyone who speaks is introduced by name so it should be easy to follow along.

There was only one agenda item for this session (link provided below):

2. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSION

a. Coronavirus Updates: When will Franklin Businesses Reopen, when and how?

A Community Conversation with a Town Department Head Roundtable including Town Administrator Jamie Hellen; Town Attorney Mark Cerel; Board of Health Chair, Bridget Sweet; Health Department Staff, Cathy Liberty and Ginny McNeil; Chief of Police TJ Lynch; Fire Chief Jim McLaughlin; and Building Inspector Gus Brown.

The recording runs almost about 2 hours, so let’s listen to the Town of Franklin roundtable on COVID-19.  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZZqKB87




--------------

Link to agenda document:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-04-22_town_council_agenda_1.pdf

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"

screenshot of part of the meeting audience; reached a peak of 67 at one point

Encore Music makes the TV broadcast

This is why we do what we do. Our Encore family means everything to us, and our "doors" will always be open. We are honored to have been featured by Boston 25 News today! Check it out!

https://www.boston25news.com/video/?id=4890957

Encore Music makes the TV broadcast

Submissions Still Open for The 6 Feet Festival

Submissions Still Open for The 6 Feet Festival

THE BLACK BOX Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/stories/the_black_box_online/

FM #251 Bryan Taberner, Planning and Community Development 4/16/20 (audio)

FM #251 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 251 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about how the Planning work, along with that of the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals is making progress in this new ‘normal’ of the pandemic world and virtual meetings.

Much of the current meeting agendas cover projects or matters that were already underway. They have held off on initiating new projects with public hearings for now. The fear is to be able to conduct business in this new manner and not have the results later challenged.

Our discussion also covers the major projects (Master Plan update, Hazard Mitigation Plan, Economic Plan from MAPC, etc.) and how these currently are delayed until how to incorporate public access including for those hearing impaired individuals. How do their needs get met via a Zoom meeting?

Attempting to end the conversation on other than a down note, we also talked about the Franklin Downtown Partnership efforts and other good opportunities that are rising to attempt to fill the gaps.

The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Bryan.  Audio file https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrXph087




--------------

Planning Board  https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board
Zoning Board of Appeals  https://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals
Conservation Commission  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation
Dept of Planning and Community Development
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development

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"

FM #251 Bryan Taberner, Planning and Community Development 4/16/20 (audio)

Bridget Sweet on food safety and COVID-19 (audio)

Bridget Sweet. Chair of the Franklin Board of Health, recently did a culinary podcast regarding food safety and COVID-19.  This may be helpful to dispel some of the concerns about eating out. In the course of the discussion, they also gave a local business a shout out; Santa Fe Burrito Grill.

Jaime and Matt look for answers to their coronavirus related questions by connecting with Bridget Sweet, Exec. Director of Food Safety, at Johnson & Wales University. Their conversations tackle best practices as they relate to food delivery, take out and in store shopping.

Listen to Bridget here
http://culinarynowpodcast.buzzsprout.com/731372/3292906-bridget-sweet

Bridget Sweet on food safety and COVID-19 (audio)

 

“We’re used to it so we don’t think much of it"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"As most work places shut their doors, employees adjust to working from home and consumers get used to once-weekly shopping trips with face coverings and gloves, one South Shore business is working overtime to make sure airplanes, grocery stores and other essential spaces are still safe for the public: Clean Harbors.

“As it hit hot spots, so did we,” Clean Harbors Senior Vice President Chuck Geer said. “Our movements really did mimic the COVID-19 spread and our responses have spiked almost simultaneously with the virus cases.”

Clean Harbors is one of the nation’s leaders in decontamination, and has been for decades. The Norwell-based business has responded after major events such as the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the Gulf Oil Spill, as well as the swine flu spread and H1N1 scare, but as is true for most businesses, a pandemic is new territory.

“It’s completely new to us, America hasn’t seen a true pandemic like this and neither have we,” Geer said Tuesday. “But really, there are a lot of similarities between this kind of clean up and any type of infectious waste. . . The chemicals we use to destroy the virus may change up, but really it’s the same principal.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200422/massachusetts-company-clean-harbors-leads-decontamination-response-nationwide-during-coronavirus-pandemic

https://www.cleanharbors.com/

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting - Agenda - Executive Session - April 29

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda and Meeting Packet

April 29, 2020

Municipal Building First Floor Lobby
355 East Central Street 4:30 - 6:30 PM

1. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Collective Bargaining

i. I request a motion that the Board vote to convene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Board.

2. ADJOURN


https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/_2020-04-29_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting - Agenda - Executive Session - April 29

HMEA's incredABLE Virtual Community Walk

Having trouble viewing? Open as a webpage. Join Us for Our incredABLE Virtual Community Walk We may not be able to physically be together for this incredABLE 5K, but we can be together VIRTUALLY! Here's how it works: Register as an incredABLE Virtual 5K Participant at events.hmea.org/incredABLE2020.for $10 Share your personal page with your friends and family to get donations and recruit team members You'll receive a link to the Virtual Community Walk that will take place via Zoom. Tune-in on May 17 at 10:00 am to watch a 30 minute musical video timeline of HMEA's 5K over the past 19 years. Do whatever kind of exercise you like - dance, walk, jog, march, hop to the music - and watch for photos of your friends, family and yourself! The first 200 registered participants will receive an incredABLE 5K lunch tote and all registrants will receive an incredABLE 5K bracelet and insider info on contests, events, and more. REGISTER incredABLE Keep Moving Challenge Just because you are stuck at home doesn't mean you shouldn't keep moving! Take a walk, do some yoga, stretch, follow an exercise video on YouTube, dance. How ever you can keep moving counts! Here's how it works: Start tracking your activity hours. You can use your favorite fitness app (examples: Fitbit, Pacer, Map My Fitness, Activity Tracker, My Fitness Pal) or we have a handy tracking sheet you can use, click here. To be entered as a contestant, submit your name and accumulated activity hours from April 3 (or the date you began) to May 10 to tandryc@hmea.org before midnight May 10. All contestants will be entered into a drawing to win a Fitbit® inspire HR™ Fitness Tracker Watch. The winner will be announced during our Live Virtual Awards Ceremony at 11:00 AM on May 17th on our Facebook page.

HMEA | 8 Forge Park East, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by hmea@hmea.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Celebrate the Library's 220th Birthday with the Library Of Congress Collections App

To celebrate the 220th anniversary of its founding, the Library of Congress today announced the release of the LOC Collections app, the premiere mobile app that puts the national library's digital collections in the hands of users everywhere.

Library Of Congress Collections App

In addition to providing an easy, accessible way to search and explore the Library's growing digital collections, LOC Collections allows users to curate personal galleries of items in the Library's collections for their own reference and for sharing with others. Items currently featured on the app include audio recordings, books, videos, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, notated music, periodicals, photos, prints, and drawings.

"The Library of Congress collection can now fit in your pocket," said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. "The Library started 220 years ago with 740 books and three maps. Today, that collection has grown to make us the largest library in the world and a storehouse of our national history. It's been our goal to throw open our treasure chest and help every American connect to the Library of Congress. The LOC Collections app is a uniquely personal, easy new way to explore the nation's library."

Users can currently find the app for iPhone and iPad at the Library's website or the iTunes store. An Android version of the app is slated for release later in 2020.

Read the full news article online
https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-20-032/?loclr=ealn