Senior Center: April Veterans Coffee Social CANCELLED!

APRIL COFFEE SOCIAL CANCELLED!

The April 1, 2020 Veterans Coffee Social has been cancelled due to concerns about the Coronavirus.

Be well and stay tuned for updates!

Senior Center: April Veterans Coffee Social CANCELLED!

Enhancing Your Economic Security - May 7

Lifelong Community Learning is pleased to announce a special one-night expert panel discussion – "Enhancing Your Economic Security". The workshop, scheduled for Thursday, May 7, at Franklin High School is FREE and open to the public but registration is required. 

Whether you are part of the “Sandwich Generation” caring for both your children and your parents, or just trying to plan your next life stage, we’ve got you covered with this interactive panel discussion. We will discuss how to find a balance between competing financial priorities, help you plan ahead, and give you ways to cope with current obligations as well as future possibilities. 

Panel members will include a senior services expert, a financial advisor, a realtor, an investment manager, an attorney, and a visiting nurse practitioner.
After the presentation, participants will have a opportunity to meet the panelists one-on-one while refreshments are served.

For more information, go to www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com and click on Lifelong Community Learning. Or call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1480.

ABOUT US: Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing diverse and enriched education and experiences for all area residents and children – a resource for all ages.

Enhancing Your Economic Security - May 7

In the News: Stop& Shop opens early hours for seniors; Polar Park gets first steel beams

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

"Massachusetts-based grocery store Stop & Shop, with locations in Milford, Framingham and other area towns, announced it would begin offering special shopping times to accommodate and protect older customers.

“Effective on Thursday, March 19, Stop & Shop will create hours specifically geared to accommodate customers 60 and older,” the company said in a statement. “Stop & Shop stores will open from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. ONLY for customers over the age of 60 who the CDC and local health officials say are most vulnerable.”

The company said it was making the decision to allow community members in this age category to shop in a less crowded environment, which better enables social distancing.

Stop & Shop said it would not be requesting ID for entry, but added that they hope everyone would respect the purpose of the early opening, and “do the right thing for our older neighbors.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200316/stop-amp-shop-offering-special-hours-for-coronavirus-high-risk-shoppers/1

https://stopandshop.com/

"The first pieces of steel went skyward in Polar Park Monday and changed Worcester Red Sox president Dr. Charles Steinberg’s image of what will be come April 2021.

Before this, Steinberg couldn’t see much beyond the weeds, cracked asphalt and rocks above Madison Street that preceded what is becoming a ballpark.

“The vision is Larry Lucchino and Janet Marie Smith,” said Steinberg, while standing just above where the WooSox bullpen will be along the first base line. “They have 3D architectural talent that I don’t have. I imagine the cotton candy and the Cracker Jacks. I imagine where your seats will be and how many jalapeños are on your nachos.

“Larry and Janet Marie have that visual ability to see what could be, and they did it with Camden Yards. Larry had that vision, and Janet Marie was able to translate it to the architects. Larry had the vision of Petco Park in San Diego, and I did not. That’s not my area.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200316/first-steel-goes-up-at-worcesters-polar-park

MBTA: Franklin Line schedule change - (surprise!) weekend shuttle buses through April

Starting Tuesday, March 17 and until further notice, the Franklin Line will operate on a reduced schedule on weekdays in the interest of the health and safety of our riders and employees. 

Schedule details: mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin.

Weekends, through April, Franklin Train service is replaced by free buses between Forge Park/495 and Readville for a Fairmount Line connection while PTC is installed. There will be no service at Back Bay, Ruggles, Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot.

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin

Last Updated: Mar 16 2020 04:06 PM

MBTA: Franklin Line schedule change - (surprise!) weekend shuttle buses through April

Franklin Food Pantry: Coronavirus Update - March 16, 2020

"We want to thank our community for the amazing show of support that they have shown us over the past few days. We're so grateful for your donations to help us to continue to serve our neighbors through this crisis.

The Coronavirus poses an even bigger health threat to our community's most vulnerable populations - low-income individuals and senior citizens - who can't afford to miss work or an extra trip to the grocery store. With schools closed and many people out of work, we expect to see an increased need for our services. If you haven't had an opportunity and are able to donate, we'd appreciate your help. You can easily donate online. Thank you again for your support.

While our doors will still be open to all who need us, we are making some changes to ensure safety among our guests. We are limiting those who enter The Pantry. Effective immediately we are suspending our volunteer hours and will have less staff working. We will offer no shopping within The Pantry.

Instead, we ask that our neighbors keep their appointments and drive up to The Pantry and a staff member will bring prepackaged bags to their car or through walk up services. We will offer the prepackaged bags through April 6 and will reevaluate the situation then.

We are working closely with town officials and school administration to get the word out to the community that we are here for those that need us and also to discuss programs, such as the weekend backpack program, that are impacted by school closures. We will keep the community updated as plans are finalized.

In addition we also will be postponing two of our large Spring fundraising events: The Party for The Pantry and Empty Bowls. We know many of you look forward to these events and we will keep you updated when we are able to reschedule them. Thank you to our Sponsors for their support.

Please follow us on Facebook for regular updates.
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry/

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at lcalling@franklinfoodpantry.org"

Regards,

Lynn Calling
Executive Director
Franklin Food Pantry

Shared from the "Coronavirus Update - March 16, 2020"
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/coronavirus-update-march-16-2020/

Franklin Food Pantry: Coronavirus Update - March 16, 2020

Town of Franklin: Coronavirus Department by Department - Customer Services Update

Updated: March 16, 2020 4:00 PM

Coronavirus Department by Department

Customer Services Update

Based on the information provided in Governor Baker’s press conference this evening, effective today, March 16, 2020, the Franklin Town and School Administration offices, as well as all Franklin public buildings will be closed to the public through April 6th, 2020.

While the Municipal Building and 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.

Call the Statewide hotline at 211 or visit www.mass211.org for the most up-to-date information.

Reminder of Best Practices
All employees, whether at work or at home, should read CDC guidelines for personal hygiene and social distancing. These are the most important things any employee can do to help stop the spread and transmission of the coronavirus (or any virus!).

Center for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus/

Most up to date information in at the Town of Franklin website https://www.franklinma.gov/


Continue reading the update below or download your own copy of the PDF file:  
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t3i902Q8pe9yQLYCrnqVjTdBYXZkjDuN/view?usp=sharing

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 18, 2020

Agenda Meeting Date - March 18, 2020

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 12, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Agricultural Commission Associate Member: Charles J. Koshiva
b. Planning Board Associate Vacancy: Joint Meeting with the Planning Board
i. Town Administrator Memo & Candidates

6. HEARINGS 
- 7:10 PM - - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Animal Control Department
b. S.A.F.E Coalition Update
c. Purchasing Department Presentation on Procurement

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854: Changes to §185-40. Water Resource District - First Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-17: Acceptance of Conservation Restriction to Protect Well 3A (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-17 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-855 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-856: Chapter 82, Sewer Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-856 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-857: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-857 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
a. Coronavirus Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- None Scheduled

ADJOURN


Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The meeting agenda and associated documents can be found
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N3bRsizwge7IW-Ks_U-JGM503kYs4FRA/view?usp=sharing

https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

School Committee meeting - March 10, 2020 - Recap

Among the key updates from the School Committee meeting of March 10,2020 were 

• presentation from Parmenter students on their "passion projects"
• Elementary school principals provided updates on their School Improvement Plans
• Superintendent Ahern provided an update from the FY 2021 budget discussion at the Town Council meeting the prior week
• Superintendent Ahern presented the first pass at the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) commitment required by April 1
• The consent agenda was approved without the Oak St trip item which was held for a future meeting
• The Committee entered executive session not to return to open meeting

School Committee actions taken:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_3-10-20_actions_taken.pdf

Superintendent's Report:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/news/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_march_10_2020.pdf


Additional details can be found in my notes captured during the meeting

• Live Reporting: Information Matters through to Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-information-matters.html

• Live Reporting: Discussion/Action Items - Discussion Only Items

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-discussionaction-items.html

• Live Reporting: Guests/Presentations

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-guestspresentations.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - March 10, 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-school-committee-march.html

Elementary school principals provided updates on their School Improvement Plans

Parmenter students presented on their "passion projects"

 

Representative Jeff Roy: COVID-19 update #2

From Representative Jeff Roy:

There continue to be concerns about the spread of the Corona virus (COVID-19) and new information is coming out regularly. I am updating you on the latest news, as there have been some major developments over the weekend. You can also check the special state website for latest updates at https://www.mass.gov/covid19. Here is the latest info I have:

• Current cases. As of today, there are 164 COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts out of only 799 people who have been tested. The state's capacity to test has been expanded so we expect that number to rise as more people get tested. There is also now evidence of community spread in seven Massachusetts counties, including Berkshire, Essex, Hampden, Norfolk, Middlesex, Suffolk, and Worcester.
• Governor Charlie Baker announced this evening that all bars and restaurants in Massachusetts would no longer be permitted to offer on-premise consumption starting Tuesday, March 17 and through April 17. Restaurants are allowed to serve take-out only.
• The Governor also banned gatherings larger than 25 people.
• The Governor also ordered a three-week suspension of all public and private schools, effective through April 7.
• Retail stores can stay open as long as they have 25 people or less in them. 

Continue reading the details
https://mailchi.mp/b18c331a8c72/ux2l17im8a-2478217

Representative Jeff Roy:  COVID-19 update #2

MA Senate President Karen Spilka: Coronavirus Update as of March 15, 2020

From Senate President Karen E. Spilka:

"Greetings,

As you are undoubtedly aware, Governor Baker announced a number of emergency measures this evening. I have been in touch with the Governor and the Administration about a number of the issues he addressed, and I would like to thank everyone who has contacted my office to let me know the questions and concerns residents have in their communities. It has helped my discussions with state and local leaders immensely.

I am particularly glad to see that the Governor took strong action around school closings, social distancing and telemedicine, which I have persistently pushed for this week. The measures we are taking now are in the best interest of preserving public health & our healthcare system. But we know they will have an impact on our residents, communities & businesses. That's why the Massachusetts State Senate is working now to tee up legislation to help with these impacts. "

Continue reading the update
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Coronavirus-Update-as-of-March-15--2020.html
 

Encore Music: COVID-19 Announcement

Dear Valued Encore Families:

We here at Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios have been very closely monitoring the rapidly changing developments globally, nationally, and locally surrounding COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. With the health and safety of our students, families, faculty, and staff our highest priority, we have made the unprecedented decision to shift all private music lessons to an online platform.

The facility at 3 Bent St. will be closed as of March 13, for all in-person lessons and classes. We are currently working around the clock to move all private lessons to an online format, and it is our expectation that regularly scheduled lessons can begin to occur online as early as Monday, March 16.

Classes will cease for the interim, but resume once our facility is again open at 3 Bent St.

We are in direct communication with all of our families to ensure a smooth transition to the online format, so we urge everyone to keep a close eye on their email for further instructions. We ask for your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we move forward, and we pledge the same to you.

Online private lessons can offer many benefits to our students. Our philosophy at Encore has always been not only to teach students how to play an instrument, but to teach students the language of music, thereby ensuring that we are developing well-rounded musicians literate in the language of music. This temporary shift to online education will not only permit students to continue with the study of their instrument, it will also open the door for increased creativity between student and instructor as they explore ear-training, rhythm, composition, music theory, and sight-reading concepts.

Please contact us with any questions you may have: (508) 533-7700, ext. 101.

It is our fervent hope that we all can return to routine in the near future, but until then, we wish everyone to stay healthy, stay safe, and stay in touch!!

Thank you for your continued support of Encore.

Sincerely,

Lisa Ostrow


----

Laura Ostrow
Director of Marketing and Development
Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios and Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc.
www.encoremusicacademy.net./ www.wesupportmusic.org
3 Bent St. Franklin | 508-533-7700
lauraostrowencore@gmail.com

"testing capacity at the state lab will increase to approximately 400 patients per day"

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

"Gov. Charlie Baker said there are currently no plans for a statewide shelter-in-place order, but he has put a number of unprecedented measures in place across Massachusetts.

Just after 6:20 p.m. Sunday, Baker ordered a more restrictive public gathering plan, banning all gatherings of 25 or more people. The governor’s initial ban was on gatherings of 250 or more people, which was put into place on Friday.

“These gatherings include all community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions and any similar event or activity that brings together 25 or more people in single room or a single space at the same time. This includes venues like fitness centers, private clubs and theaters,” Baker said.

Baker also banned bars and restaurants from serving food and drinks on site, but will allow them to serve food via takeout and delivery services. The on-site service ban begins Tuesday and is scheduled to last until April 17."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200315/gov-charlie-baker-bans-gatherings-of-over-25-people-orders-school-closure-restaurants-take-out-only

The page with all of Governor Baker's emergency orders on coronavirus (COVID-19)
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency

The page with all of Governor Baker's emergency orders on coronavirus (COVID-19)

Franklin: Urgent: Coronavirus Information Portal (Updates Here)

March 15, 2020 Update (8:15 PM)

Based on the information provided in Governor Baker's press conference this evening, effective tomorrow, March 16, 2020, the Franklin Town and School Administration offices, as well as all Franklin public buildings will be closed to the public. 

While the Municipal Building and 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.  

Employees are expected to report to work tomorrow for a regular work day. More information will be forthcoming in the days ahead.
 -- Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator and Sara Ahern, Suprintendent of Schools

Letter from Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern regarding Coronavirus 

A letter from the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern Regarding Caronavirus and School closings

* Residents please be informed that the over 1.3 Million square feet of municipal facilities (ie. Schools, Town Hall Building, etc.) are being sprayed every weekend with commercial grade disinfectant to help mitigate the spread of germs. This practice will continue for the foreseeable future. 

---

The Town of Franklin is keeping up to date with the latest information related to the novel Coronavirus as it becomes available. This site will be updated regularly with information from State and Federal agencies. Please check back frequently. 

The Town of Franklin will be cleaning and sanitizing all public buildings every weekend. 

There are many things you can do to prevent the transmission of COVID - 19 and other of viruses. Please follow the tips found here:

1. Keep a distance of 6 feet from people, especially individuals who are showing signs and symptoms of upper respiratory infection. 
2. Keep a small bottle of alcohol based (60%) hand sanitizer for travel. Rub over entire hands until hands are dry.
3. Wash hands with warm or hot water and soap for 20 seconds.
4. Try as hard as possible to not touch eyes, ears, nose, mouth, especially if you one has not washed hands recently. 
5. Sneeze or cough into a tissue, discard tissue and wash hands thoroughly.

The following links provide up-to-date information regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Practices for Prevention and Treatment 

Steps to prevent illness

Messages from Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern (March 8th, Feb 28th)

Franklin Police Response to COVID-19 (March 13, 2020)
 
Council on Aging COVID1-19 update (March 10, 2020)

How to clean your smartphone (and other computer hardware) 

Please follow this link for information from Monica Bharel MD MPH, Commissioner of the Department of Health: https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/corona-virus-information

Franklin: Urgent: Coronavirus Information Portal (Updates Here)

Franklin Public Schools: Governor’s Announcement -- Updated Duration of Closure

March 15, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

Governor’s Announcement -- Updated Duration of Closure

Earlier this evening, Governor Baker announced that public and private schools in Massachusetts will be closed for three weeks, through April 6. Therefore, Franklin Public Schools will be closed until April 6, planning to resume operations on Tuesday, April 7. This may be revisited in the coming weeks.

Our last day of school is still expected to be Wednesday, June 24, 2020.

A key emphasis of the Governor is that this measure is designed to promote the slow of the Coronavirus infection through the practice of social distancing. This article may be helpful to you in understanding what behaviors help to support this measure:

“Social Distancing: This is Not a Snow Day” by Asaf Bitton, MD, MPH, https://medium.com/@ariadnelabs/social-distancing-this-is-not-a-snow-day-ac21d7fa78b4

To summarize the article, the author advises no playdates, no movie theaters, no parties, no sleepovers, among other social behaviors. The author suggests taking care of yourself and family members and, although challenging, that everyone practices social distancing.

Food Services
During this period of closure, families who feel that their student would benefit from having a grab-and-go lunch or breakfast may pick up meals via the back driveway of Franklin High School between the hours of 11:30 AM and 1 PM, Monday through Friday. If transportation is a concern, please reach out to the Student Services Office at (508) 553-4811 who will assist you.

We also wish to share the following message from Franklin Food Pantry:

“The Franklin Pantry will be open regular hours next week, March 17 – March 20. We will be open to our current neighbors or anyone who needs us including families who count on the breakfast and lunch options provided by the Franklin area schools. We will provide a prepackaged bag full of nonperishable items to help you through this time. You can visit us daily if needed. We will reopen on March 24 with our regular shopping hours and procedures.

How can you help?

We are so grateful to our community and have received many questions on how you can help us during these uncertain times. If you are able, the best way to support The Pantry is through a monetary donation. Monetary donations allow us to purchase the items we need at a cheaper price through the Greater Boston Food Bank. If you are interested in donating items, please visit our current needs list. Check back regularly as we update frequently. Thank you for your continued support of the Franklin Food Pantry.”

Learning Opportunities
We will be sharing more information with families in the coming days about ways in which we will keep students engaged in learning and connected to school during the closure.

Building Access
Be on alert for messages from your building principal(s) about when students can come to the building to retrieve books, Chromebooks, instruments and other personal items.

SPAM Folders
Some recipients of our messages have noted difficulty in receiving our e-mails. Please check your SPAM folders and be sure to mark our messages as “not spam” so that they may be delivered directly to your inbox.

Coronavirus Portal
We wish to remind you that the Town of Franklin has developed a portal for the public to access the latest information on Coronavirus: https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal


Kind regards,

Sara E. Ahern
Superintendent of Schools


Download a PDF of this announcement
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MHQDph06Gga7AIrZ9E-AGf0hLi1K_rKM/view?usp=sharing

Coronavirus Information Portal

Mutual aid networks for 350 Mass during Coronavirus

"We hope you are staying healthy and finding support during these disorienting times.

As climate activists, we know that as climate change worsens, we will see increasingly frequent and dangerous crises like this one.

This is a grim thought, but I also find it a powerful one: the structures, connections and resources we develop to support each other now, will leave us better prepared to support each other during future climate crises and disasters.

We know that climate change disproportionately harms people already marginalized by society, and this public health crisis is no exception: my heart is particularly with people who have compromised immune systems; people without health insurance or access to treatment; those who cannot afford to stay home from work and do not have paid sick time; kids who rely on free school lunch; and many others.

Tuesday’s weekly newsletter will focus on resources and best practices for responding to coronavirus. But while that is still a work in progress, we wanted to send one resource out without delay.

In the spirit of support and solidarity, I want to introduce a new tool: 350 Mass and Community Mutual Aid form.  
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSch5YoXLpT-mfRmYyocdCYJ98flZOK2WFOhhe_khamR-Uv-Eg/viewform

While a certain administration in DC is not going to take care of us or our people, we have many resources to care for each other.

Do you have resources to share with someone in need--extra food to share with a neighbor? A room someone forced to leave campus housing could stay in? A Netflix password?

Do you have needs the community could help meet--someone to look after your kids? Someone to drive you to the grocery store so you can avoid public transit?

Please fill out this Google form with your needs and offerings: 
 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSch5YoXLpT-mfRmYyocdCYJ98flZOK2WFOhhe_khamR-Uv-Eg/viewform

The results will be on a survey you can access to connect with each other. I’m excited to use this tool both to help support our friends and community within the 350 Mass network as well as to share it with frontline community partners, and I encourage you to share it with your community (on a neighborhood forum, Facebook group, or just with family and friends), especially those whose needs might be higher or access to resources lower.

(Note: many communities are putting together local mutual aid networks as well--we encourage you to participate if your community has one, or consider forming one if not!)"

With love and power,
Jon Wishnie for 350 Mass

350ma.org

 

Please fill out this Google form with your needs and offerings

Need to Read? Try a Little Free Library? or Start a new one

"Welcome to the world’s largest book-sharing movement! Join us in:

• Building Community
• Sparking Creativity
• Inspiring Readers"

https://littlefreelibrary.org/

Little Free Library locations in Franklin, MA

https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/

On map:

• 26 Lawrence Dr
• Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St
• 109 Union St
• 131 Hillside Road

Not on map:

• 366 Lincoln St
• 28 East Park St
• Davis Thayer
• Hockomock YMCA (Forge Hill) (added via feedback)
• ??

If you know of one not on this listing, please let me know

Little Free Library locations in Franklin, MA (as of 3/14/20 noon)

Need to Read? Try a Little Free Library

FM #225 Stormwater Utility Session 2 - 3/11/20 (audio)

FM #225 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 225 in the series.

The Town Council Stormwater Utility Fee Subcommittee held the second of three information scheduled sessions to review the proposed stormwater utility fee as a response to the Federal mandate required by the EPA MS4 regulations.

The session was held at the Franklin TV studio on March 11 and also broadcast via Facebook Live.

Subcommittee Chair Melanie Hamblen opened the session and discussion. Councilors Glenn Jones, Bob Dellorco, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, GIS Coordinator Kate Sjoberg also sat at the main table in the studio.

Consultant Jean Haggerty sat in a front row to provide support and comment/answer as required.

As we record this intro, the Library has been closed for public events so the third session which as mentioned was scheduled for March 21 is in jeopardy due to the coronavirus mitigation plans. Stay tuned for updates. It may very well be conducted and other than the presenters, the participation may be all remote.

The audio segment runs about 93 minutes, so let’s listen in to the presentation and discussion of the stormwater utility fee. 
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZ6yY75X






The presentation document (updated from the first session) 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I2WQBG4XgPRjak-b4athnfqal6h1xMR-/view?usp=sharing

Or on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/_stormwater_council_outreach_2019_2.pdf

The handout can be found online at the new Stormwater Division page along with the rain barrel rebate program
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/ms4_permit_-_quick_facts.pdf

Visit the Stormwater Division page to review the mitigation plan as well as the MS4 itself  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

Visit “Soak it up Franklin” https://www.soakitupfranklinma.org/

The Facebook ‘watch party’ can be found here
https://www.facebook.com/watchparty/811564642656706/


--------------
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 #225 Stormwater Utility Session 2  - 3/11/20 (audio)

“We are preparing for more confirmed cases”

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

"State officials on Saturday relaxed rules on who can get tested for the coronavirus in an effort to identify more cases and slow the spread of the outbreak.

The state also announced a new command center to coordinate the response to the virus. State Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders will lead the center, which state officials said will focus on expanding testing, preventing health care equipment shortages and ensuring hospitals are ready for large numbers of patients.

“Far more people are going to get tested,” Gov. Charlie Baker said Saturday morning during a news conference called to announce the changes.

The state has tested 475 people for the virus as of Friday. Before the change announced Saturday, health professionals had to seek state approval before administering a test for the virus."

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https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200315/massachusetts-eases-virus-test-rules-creates-command-center

“We are preparing for more confirmed cases”