Looking for "volunteers to help replace American flags at veteran graves"

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

"Memorial Day festivities in Franklin have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the town has still found a way to honor its veterans.

The annual Memorial Day breakfast scheduled for Friday, May 22, and the parade and ceremony at the Town Common on Monday, May 25, have each been canceled. But for Sunday, May 24, the VFW Post 3402 is seeking volunteers to help replace the American flags at veteran graves, something it usually does in collaboration with local Scouting groups, said Ernest Carruthers, of VFW Post 3402.

This year, however, Scouts are prohibited by their national organizations from participating in in-person events to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, he said.

“Area veterans and supporters of veterans have volunteered to make sure that our fallen veterans are remembered and that their final resting place receives a new American flag,” said Carruthers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200509/franklin-cancels-memorial-day-parade-will-replace-flags-at-veterans-graves

To volunteer, email Carruthers at ernestcarruthersjr@gmail.com and put “Flag Volunteer” in the subject line. All volunteers must wear face coverings. A short ceremony on Memorial Day will also be aired on Franklin Local TV, said Dale Kurtz, the town’s veterans service officer.

Did you hear the interview with Franklin's Veterans Service Officer Dale Kurtz?
Listen here: 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-257-dale-kurtz-veterans-services.html

Looking for "volunteers to help replace American flags at veteran graves"

 

In the News: "Extent of reopening hinges on child care availability"

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

"Transportation and child care, including summer camps, are key pieces of the “infrastructure” necessary for Massachusetts to reopen its economy, Senate President Karen Spilka says.

Spilka said the COVID-19 crisis “has made it really clear just how important accessible, reliable, quality child care is for so many families across our commonwealth,” and that she’s asked the Senate’s COVID-19 working group, led by state Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, to make recommendations around child care.

“I think we can fight for, hopefully, some federal funds to help our economic recovery, public private partnerships with our business community, because I just don’t think it’s realistic at all to expect people to be able to go back to work without giving them a timeline for day cares, and for that matter summer camps,” Spilka told the News Service."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200509/spilka-extent-of-reopening-hinges-on-child-care-availability

Senate President Karen Spilka: The latest updates on COVID-19
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/senate-president-karen-spilka-latest.html

In the News: "MBTA repair plans are delayed as a result of pandemic"

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

"Nearly two dozen MBTA projects, including high-profile components of a plan to speed repairs during more frequent system shutdowns, will be delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While senior public transit officials say they are still exploring ways to accelerate work while ridership is at historically low levels, postponements on a significant chunk of projects range between one and three months, officials told the News Service.

Maintenance work on the Green Line’s tracks, Red Line infrastructure and stations on the Orange and Blue Lines will be delayed. The projects are all pillars of a 2020 accelerated maintenance plan. Work schedules are also being pushed back on 17 other projects that do not fall under that umbrella.

The ongoing public health emergency prompted the shifting timelines. The MBTA’s capital delivery office cited supply chain disruptions, staff and contractor availability shortages, and efforts to shift support resources from maintenance to running bus and train service for essential workers on the front lines of the crisis."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200509/mbta-repair-plans-are-delayed-as-result-of-pandemic

shuttle bus in place today (Mother's Day) between Franklin/Dean and Forge Park

Discolored water alert for some of Franklin: Washington, King, and Grove

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted at 8:43 PM on Sat, May 09, 2020:

"Discolored water alert! Damage to a hydrant on Grove Street cause by a car accident. Residents on/near Washington, King, and Grove may experience discolored water."

More info on discolored water: https://t.co/NRubfdGotL
or here  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/discolored-water


Shared from Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1259282924098277377?s=03

Discolored water alert for some of Franklin: Washington, King, and Grove

FM #265 Franklin Food Pantry New Building 5/04/20 (audio)

FM #265 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 265 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Lynn Calling, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry and Tina Powderly, Chair of the Board of Directors. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the happy news that the Food Pantry has their own home to look forward to. While they are appreciative of the space Rockland Trust has let them use for over 10 years, their needs have outgrown the space.

Lynn talks about the current operations during this pandemic. Tina provides some background on the building search and closing. Work remains to be done before they move. There will be a capital campaign to help fund the mortgage and buildout.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear about my background with the Food Pantry and that I am committing to this capital campaign.

The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Lynn and Tina. Audio file =  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-265-franklin-food-pantry-new-bldg-plus-5-04-20

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

Prior recording with Lynn Calling at the end of March 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-230-lynn-calling-franklin-food.html

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

Donate to the Franklin Food Pantry
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-funds/

--------------
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"

Lynn Calling, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry in front of the new building at 138 East Central St

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 11

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

(Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee)

May 11, 20205:30 PM

Meeting Hosted on the “Zoom” Platform
● Link to access the meeting:​ Click​​here​ then click “Open Zoom”
● Direct Link to Zoom meeting:​​https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84748701152
● Call-in Phone Number: 1-929-205-6099​ Meeting ID: ​847-4870-1152​ then press #



Agenda
1. FY21 Budget Discussion

Document released for this agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/05-11-2020_joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_agenda.pdf

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 11

 

FM #264 Board of Health Meeting 5/06/20 (audio)

FM #264 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 264 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA Board of Health regular monthly meeting as scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2020. The meeting was conducted via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Each speaker is identified before they speak so you can follow along. The show notes provide links to the agenda and my notes taken via Twitter during the meeting.

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health Meeting held May 6.   Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HN7SKgS7



--------------
My notes via Twitter  https://twitter.com/hashtag/boh0506?src=hashtag_click

• Real time reporting underway for the Board of Health meeting today #boh0506
• First item on agenda, actually a moot point given the Executive Order made by Gov Baker last Friday. Chief Lynch providing update on enforcement role. Education first, volunteer compliance looked for. #boh0506
• Businesses can refuse service if a customer doesn't have a mask and is not compliant. Thanks to the FPD for their effort expressed by members of the BoH #boh0506
• Essential services being reviewed and FAQ on town portal was updated accordingly. Curbside and remote delivery allowed where permitted. Dog grooming currently not essential per MA DPH #boh0506
• Golf courses are not considered essential at this time. There was discussion with Franklin Country Club around groundskeeper activity which is permitted, golfing is not #boh0506
• Some Boards of Health have differed on golf interpretation, this was addressed at DPH level meeting recently to correct as the deviants were creating a problem for others. Golfer agreed to disagree. #boh0506
• Questions on non-compliance with folks who are claiming medical reasons but really don't have, due to HIPPA regulations. Not a good answer but it is what it is #boh0506
• Forgot to close out that meeting has adjourned via roll call vote. Next meeting currently scheduled for 1st Weds in June. Stay tuned for updates in case things change. Audio recording of this to be made available for your listening pleasure soon #boh0506

Board of Health agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/franklin-ma-board-of-health-agenda-may-6.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!
------------------

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

FM #264 Board of Health Meeting 5/06/20 (audio)

Dr Erin Bromage: "The Risks - Know Them - Avoid Them"

A good read that nicely and cleanly explains how the coronavirus spreads

"It seems many people are breathing some relief, and I’m not sure why. An epidemic curve has a relatively predictable upslope and once the peak is reached, the back slope is also predictable. Assuming we have just crested in deaths at 70k, that would mean that if we stay locked down, we lose another 70,000 people over the next 6 weeks as we come off that peak. That's what's going to happen with a lockdown.

As states reopen, and we give the virus more fuel, all bets are off. I understand the reasons for reopening the economy, but I've said before, if you don't solve the biology, the economy won't recover.

There are very few states that have demonstrated a sustained decline in numbers of new infections. Indeed, the majority are still increasing and reopening. As a simple example of the USA trend, when you take out the data from New York and just look at the rest of the USA, daily case numbers are increasing. Bottom line: the only reason the total USA new case numbers look flat right now is because the New York City epidemic was so large and now it is being contained.

...

As we are allowed to move around our communities more freely and be in contact with more people in more places more regularly, the risks to ourselves and our family are significant. Even if you are gung-ho for reopening and resuming business as usual, do your part and wear a mask to reduce what you release into the environment. It will help everyone, including your own business."

Continue reading the article
https://erinbromage.wixsite.com/covid19/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them


Who is the author?

Erin S. Bromage, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Dr. Bromage graduated from the School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences James Cook University, Australia where his research focused on the epidemiology of, and immunity to, infectious disease in animals. His Post-Doctoral training was at the College of William and Mary, Virginia Institute of Marine Science in the Comparative Immunology Laboratory of late Dr. Stephen Kaattari.

Dr. Bromage’s research focuses on the evolution of the immune system, the immunological mechanisms responsible for protection from infectious disease, and the design and use of vaccines to control infectious disease in animals. He also focuses on designing diagnostic tools to detect biological and chemical threats in the environment in real-time.

Dr. Bromage joined the Faculty of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2007 where he teaches courses in Immunology and Infectious disease, including a course this semester on the Ecology of Infectious Disease which focused on the emerging SARS-CoV2 outbreak in China.

Found via Twitter  https://twitter.com/lit_hum/status/1258748858630356993?s=09

Dr Erin Bromage: "The Risks - Know Them - Avoid Them"

"It would be an honor to lead a school community with such a proud tradition"

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

"Joshua Hanna, an assistant principal at Hopkinton High School since 2013, has been named the next principal at Franklin High School.

The announcement was made Wednesday by Superintendent Sara Ahern. Hanna was chosen from among three finalists.

“I’m honored to have been given the opportunity to lead such a fine institution of teaching and learning,” Hanna told the Daily News. “What really stands out as something I am looking forward to is getting to know all of the students, teachers and community members that make FHS such a special place. During the interview process many referred to FHS as a family - what a fantastic way to describe a school! No matter what current challenges face us, it’s clear to me the FHS community has the mindset to adjust and thrive.”

“We were fortunate to have three excellent candidates emerge as finalists from a rigorous and thorough search process,” said Ahern in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming Mr. Hanna to the Panthers community.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200508/joshua-hanna-named-principal-at-franklin-high-school

In case you missed Superintendent Ahern's announcement
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/franklin-public-schools-fhs-principal.html

Franklin Public Schools: FHS Principal Announcement

Town of Franklin Department Re-entry Updates - May 8

Hello Franklin,

Our COVID-19 Information Portal is updated regularly with the latest information and resources. You can find it HERE.

Please find our Department Re-entry Updates attached below and visit our website and/or social media frequently for news and announcements.

Have a good weekend!

"Based on the escalating global COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Baker’s most recent Executive Orders, the Franklin Town and School Administration offices, as well as all Franklin public buildings will be closed to the public and most employees through May 18th, 2020. We are following the guidance coming from Governor Baker. We are working on a measured plan to initiate baby steps toward re-opening limited services that cannot be performed remotely, while keeping the safety of our employees and community at the forefront.

On May 11th, the following departments will be re-opening with limited staff and services as an initial phase in. Careful decision-making and return to work procedures will take place in the coming weeks, with safety as the top priority.

● The drive through window at the Municipal Building will be re-opening for service on May 11th for regular business hours. The window will serve as the point of contact for all municipal services for both the Town Clerk’s Office and the Treasurer/Collector. Cash will not be accepted at this time. The public will not be able to access the building in any way other than the drive through.
● The Library will be reopening with a skeleton crew for online orders and no contact pickup/dropoff of requested materials. Patrons can place material holds online or by phone. (limit of 5 items over the phone) Search our catalog at find.minlib.net , and limit the collection location to Franklin. Once you receive a text or email that your items are ready, visit the Library entrance at School Street. Hours will be Monday - Saturday 10am - 1pm. Please stay tuned to the Franklin Public Library websites for children's programming and other offerings that will be available to residents remotely.
● The DPW and Facilities Departments will begin with a soft opening on May 11th, with limited employees returning to work to assess and plan for the weeks ahead. Beginning May 18th, the DPW and custodial staff will be fully open, with work crews returning in one man vehicles where necessary. The DPW Administration Building will remain closed through May 18th.
● The Senior Center is aiming to develop a curbside lunch program for members to access Cafe prepared grab-and-go meals. The goal is to have this service available beginning June 1st, with the hope of adding the same service for breakfast in the future. More details will be released as they become available..
● On May 11th, we will begin a very limited phase in of staff at the Municipal Building. The building will not be open to the public.
● The Recycling Center is currently open regular business hours, with the addition of noon - 3pm on Thursday May 14th for yard waste only. Beginning May 18th, the Recycling Center will be open regular hours for full services. No cash or checks will be accepted. All residents who wish to use the recycling center for item drop off will need to go online prior to pay the required fee(s). A printed slip detailing the fees paid will be required to show proof of payment. The online payment portal for recycling fees is on our Viewpoint site.
● Curbside Clothing Recycling restarted the week of April 27th on your normal trash day. Please have bags out prior to 7am for pickup.
● All municipal parks and playgrounds will be closed to the public. Nature trails are OK to use.
● All public and private schools are closed through the end of the year. Childcare facilities (other than emergency centers for first responders) will be closed until June 29th.
● Trash and Recycling Pickup will continue to be picked up on their normal schedule.

While the Municipal Building and most other departments are closed for direct, in-person service, staff will be available for all regular business activities via phone, email and our online services center at www.franklinma.gov. For an emergency, please continue to dial 911."

Additional details on the Re-entry Updates: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/department_protocols_covid_19_8.pdf

Town of Franklin Department Re-entry Updates - May 8

Franklin Public Library: Curbside Pickup Returning May 11

Curbside Pickup is returning to the Library Monday, May 11! 

Patrons can place holds online or by phone. When placing holds by phone, there is a limit of five holds per call. 

There is no inter-library loan at this time, so holds are limited to Franklin materials shown as "available" in the catalog. 

Search our catalog at find.minlib.net , and limit the collection location to Franklin. 

Once you receive a text or email that your items are ready, visit the Library at the School Street entrance between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM Monday through Saturday to pick them up! 

The Library will still be closed to the public, but staff will be available to answer questions by phone and email 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Monday through Saturday. 

Please call us at 508-520-4941.


Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/curbside-pickup-returning-franklin-public-library

Franklin Public Library: Curbside Pickup Returning May 11

 

Senate President Karen Spilka: The latest updates on COVID-19

Updates from Beacon Hill and MetroWest The Massachusetts State Senate is here to help you during the COVID-19 crisis. As we move through the public health crisis of COVID-19 and its aftermath, I want you to know that the state Senate is here to serve as a resource to help you navigate state government during this difficult time. If you live in my district, which consists of Ashland, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway and Natick, you can contact my office by email and you will be contacted by a member of my Constituent Services Team. You can also visit the MetroWest Resources During COVID-19 page on my website. If you live anywhere else in Massachusetts, you can find the contact information of your state Senator here: Find My Legislator. Senators and their staff are available to help you apply for unemployment or health insurance, answer your questions about small business and nonprofits, or connect you with other resources you, your family, or your business may need right now. For up-to-date information on the work of the state Senate, including bills we have passed to provide for remote notarizations, prevent evictions and foreclosures, waive the MCAS requirements for the school year, and expand access to safety net programs, please visit the Updates section of my website. As a reminder, here are places when you can find up-to-date information on COVID-19: Massachusetts COVID-19 Updates and Information Department of of Public Health (DPH) Information on the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) State House News Service Coronavirus Tracker Federal Coronavirus.gov Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Page Use the following links to access specific information on the following topics: Unemployment: Information on Unemployment and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Insurance Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and MassHealth Massachusetts Health Connector COVID-19 Resources and Information Consumer Protection: Resources During COVID-19 Education: Department or Early and Secondary Ed COVID-19 Information and Resources Department of Higher Ed COVID-19 Information and Resources Businesses: COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses Please don't hesitate to reach out to me or your state Senator for any reason. We are here to help. Warm Regards,

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of contents  https://karenspilka.com/covid

"it may not be pretty, but this is the situation we’re in”

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

"There are many possibilities for how lawmakers might tackle next year’s budget, Senate President Karen Spilka said, but the pandemic’s shocks to state revenues may mean the idea of passing one-month budgets while a full spending plan is developed would need to look different than it has in the past.

The economic turmoil created by the COVID-19 crisis began as Beacon Hill’s budget season approached - typically, the House passes its budget in April and the Senate in May. The final budget is due by July 1, the first day of the new fiscal year, though lawmakers have often negotiated beyond that deadline and passed “one-twelfth” budgets that allocate enough money for a month of operations, based on the previous year’s spending.

With the normal timeline thrown off course and the pandemic’s full economic impact not yet quantified, it’s still unclear when the Legislature will take up the fiscal 2021 budget or what its bottom line will be.

The set of emergency rules the House adopted this week gave the House Ways and Means Committee until July 1 to report out its version of the budget, and S&P Global Ratings said in a recent bulletin that it expects Massachusetts to adopt a fiscal 2021 budget this summer."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200508/spilka-local-budgets-may-not-be-pretty

The FY 2021 budget will definitely be a challenge for Franklin. It has been part of the weekly conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. The Budget Subcommittee met on Monday, May 4. The Joint Budget Subcommittee (School Comm budget team, Finance Committee, and Town Council Budget Subcommittee) will meet on Monday May 11.

Budget Subcommittee audio
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/budget-subcommittee-notes-may-4-2020.html

Talk Franklin with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - May 1
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-260-talk-franklin-with-jamie-hellen.html

The Town of Franklin budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

"it may not be pretty, but this is the situation we’re in”

 

You may be eligible for SNAP benefits

AlertsMA: Need help buying healthy food? You may be eligible for SNAP benefits. Visit Mass.gov/covid-snap for more information and how to apply.

"You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) administers SNAP benefits. SNAP provides a monthly benefit to buy nutritious foods.

To get SNAP, you must be low-income and be a U.S. citizen or legal noncitizen (restrictions apply). Eligibility for SNAP benefits depends on financial and nonfinancial criteria."

You may be eligible for SNAP benefits