Boston Globe: "‘Help is on the way’

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin:

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said in a televised town hall Friday night that the pandemic sweeping through the nation has yet to see “the full effect of a potential surge upon a surge” following the Thanksgiving holiday.

Fauci, who will be staying on as chief medical advisor to President-elect Joe Biden, was taking part in a discussion on the coronavirus with CNN’s Anderson Cooper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta when he was asked about a model from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation that is projecting more than 530,000 deaths from the virus in the United States by April.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/05/nation/help-is-way-fauci-discusses-how-long-it-may-take-average-american-get-covid-19-vaccine-potential-virus-surges-more/

View the CNN Town hall online to get the whole discussion

https://www.cnn.com/videos/health/2020/12/04/entire-december-4-coronavirus-town-hall-part-one-sot-vpx.cnn

In the News: Cobi Frongillo wins Franklin Town Council seat

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

Cobi Frongillo, 23, has been elected to fill the open Franklin Town Council seat by a landslide after Saturday’s Special Election.

The youngest of the four candidates running received 2,500 votes on Saturday – over half of the overall votes, according to unofficial election results. 

Despite a snowstorm that blanketed the region from morning to night, 4,267 residents cast their votes at Franklin High School to choose who should fill the vacant Town Council seat left by Eamon McCarthy Earls in September. 

Greg Chiklis received the second-highest amount of votes with 802 votes, followed by Alan Earls, father of Eamon McCarthy Earls, with 723 votes and KP Sompally with 229 votes.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/news/local/2020/12/06/cobi-frongillo-sweeps-franklin-town-council-seat-left-eamon-mccarthy-earls/3821864001/

The official results are now available

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/special-election-dec-5-2020-official.html

voter turnout for Franklin elections 2003-2020

Boston Globe: "State says it has recovered $242 million in fraudulent jobless claims"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin:

"The Baker administration said Friday that it has recovered more than $242 million in fraudulently issued unemployment benefits, in part the result of crime schemes first revealed last May.

The figures released in a statement are the latest tally of how many phony claims were filed and how much money the state has recovered.

Of the more than 2.3 million claims received since March, the administration said it has identified almost 172,000 fraudulent claims — or about 7.5 percent. The state has recovered about $1,400 per fraudulent claim.

The administration blamed an international criminal fraud ring targeting the state Department of Unemployment Assistance at a time when it was besieged with an unprecedented number of claims made by people laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/05/business/state-says-it-has-recovered-242-million-fraudulent-jobless-claims/

"reliable transit is a lifeblood of the local economies"

From the New York Times, an article of interest for Franklin:

"In Boston, transit officials warned of ending weekend service on the commuter rail and shutting down the city’s ferries. In Washington, weekend and late-night metro service would be eliminated and 19 of the system’s 91 stations would close. In Atlanta, 70 of the city’s 110 bus routes have already been suspended, a move that could become permanent.

And in New York City, home to the largest mass transportation system in North America, transit officials have unveiled a plan that could slash subway service by 40 percent and cut commuter rail service in half.

Across the United States, public transportation systems are confronting an extraordinary financial crisis set off by the pandemic, which has starved transit agencies of huge amounts of revenue and threatens to cripple service for years."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/06/nyregion/mass-transit-service-cuts-covid.html

The MBTA is scheduled to announce service cuts soon. The period for public input closed on Friday, Dec 4.  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/elimination-of-commuter-rail-service-on.html

Tweet from MindShift: Ways to check for understanding

via MindShift (@MindShiftKQED) 

"7 awesome ways to check for understanding. Which one's your favorite?
Ideas from @ImpactWales https://t.co/UH4OEtYRrp"

7 awesome ways to check for understanding.

As a reporter, I am listening, processing, and summarizing what I see and hear in the meetings I report on. In my recent remote reporting (while on a Zoom or conference bridge) I type the notes into Twitter as the meeting happens. With a hashtag, I can find the twitter thread easily (and so can someone else). 

I go back the next day, or as soon after as time permits, and capture those tweets in my meeting 'recap'. As I listen to the meeting recording to prepare it for publication on the Franklin Matters podcast, I am also able to check what I heard and what I noted of it. Most of the time I do well. The most opportunity is with spelling of proper nouns used.  

Yes, this takes work but it is part of the process to ensure accurate information is shared. It is also a learning process. Many meetings are introducing new concepts or pieces of legislation and the major questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why...) need to be understood. Once the basics are, there is usually another level of detail raised by additional questions around impact to related areas or to the residents, never mind what does it cost or what the financial impact is.

 

Runner's World: new world record for half marathon

For the runners among us: Did you see the results of the half marathon in Valencia, Spain? A new world record, and three other runners beat the previous mark in the same race. Fast! 

Oh, and the US woman winner missed setting a record by 1 second. Fast!  

"The results in the men's half marathon were remarkable, with four men breaking the world record. "

Shared from Twitter = https://t.co/xHsoNPe98M

half marathon record broken by multiple runners

Special Election - Dec 5, 2020 = Official Results

The Official results from the Special Election on Dec 5, 2020 were released on Sunday by acting Town Clerk Nancy Danello and shared here.

For the one page PDF   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1et5IyipUgn41Gq1BRRyivFJjogvs9zWR/view?usp=sharing

Special Election - Dec 5, 2020
Official election results
Chiklis	809	18.7%
Earls	731	16.9%
Frongillo	2537	58.7%
Sompally	232	5.4%
Blanks	4	0.1%
Write ins	9	0.2%
Total	4322	100%
In person	848	19.6%
Mail / absentee	3474	80.4%
Total	4322	100%
Total registered voters	24.796
percent election turnout	17.4%

Special Election - Dec 5, 2020 = Official Results

election turnout 2003-2020

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Dec 8, 2020

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Winter Athletics Update - Tom Angelo  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/winter-athletics

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy – 2nd Reading / Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:
1. JJEA-Crowdfunding Policy
2. GE-Telework Policy

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-policy

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. FY 21 Budget Updates  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/budget-update-0
B. Kindergarten and Grade 1 Full and In-person update
C. Reopening of Schools Status Report 12/4/2020  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update
D. Updated School Committee Presentation Schedule  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/presentation-schdl-0

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your November 24, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $29.69 from Ohiopyle Prints, Inc. for in-house enrichment at FHS as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo
X. Executive Session

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment

Document released for this meeting can be found in the meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-8-2020-school-committee-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Dec 8, 2020

Town of Franklin, MA: Storm emergency reminder

"Residents should consider downloading the ⁦@nationalgridus⁩ app on their phones where you can report power outages, monitor restoration and much more. ⁦@FranklinMAFire⁩ "

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/VgQcVSQ9pb

Apple App Store =  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/national-grid/id632161989

Google App Store =  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ifactor.ngrid&hl=en&gl=US

nationalgrid web page = https://login.nationalgridus.com/

Town of Franklin, MA: Storm emergency reminder

CommonWealth Magazine: "Elderly challenges go well beyond COVID; "Don’t place too many restrictions on telehealth"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin: 

Elderly challenges go well beyond COVID

"THE EMERGENCE of promising vaccines to fight COVID-19 is certainly good news, but those older adults on fixed or limited incomes will continue to face serious issues in daily living in a variety of areas.  Many of these issues existed before the pandemic, and some have been made worse as a consequence of the deadly virus.  Older adults, especially those in nursing homes, suffered the highest rates of infection and death from the virus, and those rates were even more disastrous for older adults of color.  The pandemic caused a serious look at the deficiencies in our long-term care system, both institutional and community-based, and most of these deficiencies will remain even after a large portion of Americans have been vaccinated.

In skilled nursing facilities, we’ve learned that older adults should not be forced to live with three or more unrelated elderly in the same room.  We know that nursing home staff are underpaid and often need to work in two or more nursing homes to make a living.  Many staff are also unvaccinated for influenza, and may have the same low rates of vaccination when COVID-19 vaccines are made available.  We’ve also learned that infection prevention and control is an especially weak process in most nursing homes.  These are all factors that made such facilities ripe for attack by COVID-19."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/elderly-challenges-go-well-beyond-covid/

Don’t place too many restrictions on telehealth

"FOR DECADES, Massachusetts has been known for having the best health care in the world. As doctors who’ve practiced medicine for a combined 40 years in the Commonwealth, we have seen firsthand how our state has enjoyed the best hospitals and best doctors and providers to deliver the highest standard of care. Our biggest challenge? How to ensure those exceptional services can be accessed by every patient who needs them.

Then came COVID-19 – which threatened our nation’s health care system like no time in modern history. Instead of collapsing, our health care system reinvented itself. The rapid and effective use of virtual care (telehealth and other services) allowed us to continue to provide care to patients while the threat of coronavirus kept them at a distance. Patients with behavioral health needs, many of which were exacerbated by the pandemic, were able to still see their mental health providers. Patients with acute stroke could get rapid evaluations in a local emergency department but be transferred for advanced care if necessary. Unlike in-person visits to shops, restaurants, and bars which were abruptly cancelled, much needed virtual visits to medical specialists could continue unimpeded. Regular medical care is like car maintenance, when it is postponed or ignored conditions deteriorate rapidly."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/dont-place-too-many-restrictions-on-telehealth/

Cold Chain Technologies in the news

 

"Cold Chain Technologies ("CCT"), a leading global provider of reusable and single-use passive thermal packaging solutions for the shipment of temperature-sensitive products for the life sciences industry, has announced the opening of a new facility in Lebanon, Tennessee, a critical site to support the needs for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

As part of this nationwide expansion to meet the growing demands of global vaccine distribution, the new 255,000+ square feet cold chain facility, complete with Koolit refrigerant manufacturing and work cells for CCT's KoolTemp EcoFlex (CCT's market-leading reusable thermal packaging solution), is fully equipped to support the temperature-sensitive supply chain requirements of the COVID-19 vaccine with the industry's broadest portfolio of single-use and reusable systems for parcel and pallet shipments scalable to vaccine temperature needs."

Read more of the press release
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cold-chain-technologies-opens-facility-dedicated-to-the-distribution-of-the-covid-19-vaccine-301179360.html

"Cold Chain Technologies ("CCT" or the "Company"), a leading global provider of advanced reusable and single-use passive thermal packaging solutions for the shipment of temperature-sensitive products for the life sciences industry, announced today that Anthony (TJ) Rizzo has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer, and Amardeep (Amar) Chahal has joined the Company as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development.

While serving in several roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as Senior Vice President, TJ has made significant contributions to the growth of CCT over the last 15 years—both in the United States and through international expansion in Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. He has been instrumental in leading the development and deployment of CCT's global reusable and sustainable strategy as well as an active collaborator with our channel partners to deliver the cold chain capabilities needed to safely and efficiently deploy the COVID-19 vaccine. As a founding member, and current Chairman, of the ISTA Pharma Committee, TJ is well respected in the cold chain industry and is extensively involved in industry collaboration and the best practice development groups PDA, ISTA, and others. "

Read more of the press release

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cold-chain-technologies-welcomes-new-leadership-in-alignment-with-its-global-growth-strategy-301183269.html

They were also named one of the Manufacturing Award winners for 2020 by Senator Becca Rausch. The full listing of companies can be found in the commemorative magazine.

https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1303531-2020-massachusetts-manufacturing-awards/7?

Contollo Mass Manufacturing, also based in Franklin, was one of the recipients as well.  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/manufacturing-caucus-hosts-fifth-annual.html

one of the Manufacturing Award winners for 2020 by Senator Becca Rausch

"This is the third consecutive year that the CPA match has increased"

 From the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

On Nov. 12, the Department of Revenue released the fiscal 2021 distribution from the Community Preservation Act Trust Fund for each participating community, with a minimum match rate of 28.6% for all municipalities.

Municipalities that adopted the CPA with a full 3% local property tax surcharge received a higher percentage.

The Division of Local Services has posted a full list of CPA distribution amounts by municipality.

The fiscal 2020 budget increased the recording fees at registries of deeds in order to provide additional revenue for the statewide CPA Trust Fund. The increase went into effect on Dec. 31, 2019, and was projected to double the amount of matching funds available to participating CPA communities. Advocates said the change would halt the trend of dropping match rates, which were headed toward a single-digit percentage.

Continue reading the article online

https://www.mma.org/increase-for-cpa-trust-fund-pays-off-with-higher-distributions-for-fy21/

Franklin is in the process of setting up the Community Preservation Committee. The first reading of the bylaw to create the group came to the Council it is being revised and will return for approval. Assuming the timeline continues, Franklin should receive its first funds in the distribution in Nov 2022.

New youth athletic training program at the YMCA

From Chris Raymond:

I’m reaching out from the YMCA in Franklin. I’m the new fitness director here and was hoping to share information on a new youth athletic training program at the YMCA. 

Student athletes can benefit by:

• Gaining more confidence with strength training
• Exercising in a safe and effective way
• Be more active during their off season or periods of school program shut downs
• Preparing for their season

Full Athletic Development Program - A program designed to give the student athlete or expected student athlete the foundational training for their sport. The individual will gain more confidence in their ability to strength train safety, improve overall work capacity, and stay healthy during periods of inactivity.

8 Weeks (skipping week of Christmas)
Small group training  Monday, Wednesday, Thursday  from 3:30 pm to 4:15 PM

Descriptions of each day:
Day 1 – Metabolic Conditioning – Cardiovascular training for all sports. General aerobic and anaerobic conditioning will benefit all sports with an emphasis on building good technique in running, jumping, and moving laterally. A well-conditioned athlete is able to perform at higher levels with sustained effort and without fatigue.
Day 2 – Foundations of strength - Building foundational strength transcends all sports. Using basic strength building exercises, an athlete can build the right mindset with exercise, self-esteem on and off the field, and reduce the risk of injury.
Day 3 – Core and functional training - Core training that improves posture and health movement. Improve the connection gap between strength and all of it’s body segments. Not just abs but movement that helps the body move better and more efficiently.
 
To register for the program https://bit.ly/AccelerateYourAthlete
 

New youth athletic training program at the YMCA

50+ Job-seekers Session - Tuesday, Dec 8

Fall Workshop Series - Session #7

CREATE A MARKETING PLAN/JOB SEARCH TOOLBOX

Tuesday, December 8th from 10:00 am – 12 pm

*Virtual Doors open at 9:45 am*

The session will start promptly at 10 am

Bring your 5 Top Marketable Points

 

Presenter: Deborah Hope, Hope Associates, LLC

Co-host: Melody L. Beach, Melody L. Beach Consulting Group

Host: Susan Drevitch Kelly-Program Director/Founder

 

In this hands-on workshop you will learn how to create a personal marketing plan for your tool box, including how to identify target companies and your core competencies. We'll start with a review of the SWOT method.

The webinar will also cover:

·        Job search portfolio

·        Job search techniques

·        Job search resources

 

This is our 7th interactive workshop in the Fall Series. This session isn't just a presentation; we will pose questions, present real-time exercises, and challenge your mindset.

Download a copy of the flyer   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NUx0TJ0dvpKRnF7WGi7J_EHMD0IkQ9a9/view?usp=sharing

_._,_._,_

50+ Job-seekers Session - Tuesday, Dec 8

Unofficial election results - Dec 5 =Town Council open seat won by Frongillo

Unofficial election results
Chiklis	802
Earls	723
Frongillo	2500
Sompally	229
Blanks	4
Write ins	9
Total	4267

Spreadsheet (PDF) with precinct totals coming soon

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11JottwkukXXDR0Dqq4wYQ8UrVgNncUN_/view?usp=sharing

 

   

Unofficial election results - Dec 5