School Committee - Jan 12, 2021 - Meeting Recap

Quick Recap:

• Excellent presentation and overview from Oak St on their in school learning. At least one parent said while that is rosy, the 'at home' situation is not so
• Superintendent Ahern updated on new pool testing option available, sessions to explain further scheduled, need to respond back to DESE if we'd use it. Need to get a good (?) number to participate to make it worth while 
• Recommends community #DoYourPart in following protocols esp. with long weekend, and Feb vacation breaks coming up
  
• K-1 survey results revealed and discussion, situation summarized as a "dilemma" with no clear path forward other than more study
• Student Opportunity Act (SOA) plan approved; a formality as there is no SOA money from the State, but DESE wants this, so be it
• School Committee voted 5-2 to suspend athletics if district goes fully remote due to increase in COVID cases (how much more red than the red we are was not provided to trigger this move)
• Hold the date for the next Legislative forum now scheduled for March 2

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via the Twitter thread can be found in one folder

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bkbJCUi4RhHQz3399

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0112
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0112&src=typed_query

• I am ready for real time reporting of the School Committee meeting tonight at 7 PM #schcom0112 are you?
• #schcom0112 the packet folder with agenda and docs released for the meeting https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet
• Meeting opens, more than 70 participating via Zoom, another 9 on Live Stream, and xx? on the Verizon/Comcast cable channels #schcom0112
• Pool testing info received via email before meeting will be posted to FM page and shared after the meeting. Google doc link here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s3EKa7HViWSOtO9J-SFwVGiK-_K91a46/view?usp=drivesdk #schcom0112

Citizen Comments/FHS Updates

• #schcom0112 ELL teacher traveling between Jeff/Kennedy shares during citizen comments. FHS student updates: yearbook superlatives shared, diversity club active esp after Capitol incident; AP government doing a fantasy game on media coverage
• Class of 2022 doing a flocking fund raiser, winter sports teams off to a good start. #schcom0112 

Superintendent's report 

• superintendent's report - appeal to Community "Do your part" ; rumors/videos of additional parties, can't tell if FHS participated or they are current. Pls follow safety guides!
• 2nd re: travel on weekends, re MA order, requires 72 hour window for testing upon return, or quarantine. If testing before, can't count that test upon return, you need another one. #schcom0112 weekend ahead, Feb vacation and April coming. Test 5 days after return
• Hearing of cases thru contact tracing (which is good) but there is a lag in processing, if positive test please contact schools directly so action can be taken quickly. #schcom0112 image on pool testing. Note: participation up over 140
• Explanation of pool testing process, cost of pool testing less than normal, first 6 wks covered by DESE then local funds would be applied however sourced #schcom0112 professional development day on Weds, hence half day for students.
• Asked Q on time for logistics of admin for the testing, would seem to come from instruction, is DESE considering that relative to their interest in time on learning? #schcom0112
• Item in report Dr Edwards is retiring at end of school year. Will be missed and plans underway to backfill. More recognition later this year as other retirement are acknowledged. #schcom0112

Oak St presentation

• Oak St highlights for tonight's presentation, principal and others contributing for update #schcom0112 presentation doc link here = https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/oak_street_presentation_school_committee_1.12.21_1.pdf
• Vice principal updating on SEL (2 avoid misspelling will add names later, they shd be recognized but I can't type that fast!) #schcom0112  (Added to this as promised: Principal: Brad Hendrixson; Donna Krikorian, Assistant Principal)
• #schcom0112 how to greet by name and express feelings/emotions with a mask. (Catching up on slides, Principal in this batch) finding ways to partner students with remote and in person fostering learning
• Sue Egan, REACH program at Oak (note Mrs Sherlock has subbed pre-COVID in this program) #schcom0112 appreciative if 10 days prep to put program together in COVID protocol to help the students, they came 4 days a week (only ones in building at that time)
• Jenna Perro, first grade teacher, tells of take home bags put together on Weds (during prep time) for students to take home #schcom0112
• Katherine Nayler, 4th grade teacher, speaks also of the value of the planning time on Weds as critical to what happens elsewhere in the instruction #schcom0112 developing a growth mindset, relationship building, in person and across cohorts
• Google meet open during day so students remote can reach teacher, teachers are juggling between in person and remote. #schcom0112 one math game went well, so we'll students asked to play it again. Closing meeting includes a shout out from students, "they check on us a lot"

Discussion/action items

• Moving to discussion action items, IF FHS needed to go remote, prepared action for vote if it were to occur, such that sports would not be interrupted by a delay in #schcom0112 vote https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fhs_athletics_plan_if_remote.pdf
• This vote would actually be allowing to suspend sports if necessary. Could move in or out of model based upon prior vote. #schcom0112 Q what is the metric to make this decision? Metrics available to go other way, but since we are red now, how red do we need to be?
• Most cases are in family transmission, if found to be within school environment, that would be a criteria. #schcom0112 would be a pretty extreme circumstance for FHS. More risk now with rising #s, sports competition indoors (basketball, hockey, etc.) and higher risk
• Rather have it and not needed, than not have it and need it. #schcom0112 motion to approve plan as discussed, seconded, via roll call passes 5-2. Motion on SOA plan as discussed, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
• Next up, personnel update https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/personnel-update-0. #schcom0112 hiring issues as not a big available pool of candidates HR Director Lisa Traynor provides updates # of retirement increasing as it goes, hard to tell if normal or COVID specific
• If anyone looking for nursing position, there are openings and can be filled right away. #schcom0112 K-1 survey summary presentation https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/k-1-survey-summary we all have a common goal, caution not to put parties against each other

K-1 survey summary

• While dissatisfaction expressed with hybrid, there was recognition of great work being done by teachers. #schcom0112 detailed overview of survey results, work with other staff to get their feedback req'd, would also require negotiations with union. A dilemma ...
• With in person returning eventually, and the work needed to be done on that, I read between the lines not doing more on this K-1 scenario. Priority maybe getting ready for return in person with vaccine. #schcom0112 Q what more info needed? Process needs to be followed
• Distancing vs disruption is the challenge, discussion continues to be worked towards. #schcom0112 "I was hoping the results would be more clear but they are not" Issues with current hybrid can't be fully solved as is, never mind 'worsening' it with new scenarios
• Newsletter out today to help provide support for parents to help teachers on literacy, i.e independent reading practice. Also on math work and SEL single biggest request was for planning time, grade level development planned to share resources across the schools #schcom0112
• Responding to the planning time request is not going to be one and done, needs to be on going. #schcom0112 DESE just issued a webinar series for K-3 teachers. Have been cleared on learning time currently, i.e. meeting required hours.
• #schcom0112 Q are we going to see a clear plan on how to move forward? There will be work done, plans to come forward, pool testing, vaccine distribution expected, there is a lot going on. There is inequity in the buildings and inequity in service delivery in some scenarios
• rising case counts create added pressure, an increase in VLA would require additional hiring (which is already a problem) #schcom0112 suggestion, could use the data points collected this far to bring in those students 'behind' to benefit a 4 day in person?

Reopening status

• Moving to reopening status https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-1721 #schcom0112 additional staff in quarantine due to either student cases or family members. 41 of the 128 had been in buildings in prior 7 days DESE #s will differ
• MCAS testing changes this spring, staffing concerns covered earlier, FHS complex nearing completion on AC upgrade/purifiers, vaccine process starts for first responders on the 13th and 20th at the high school gym. #schcom0112 opening for public comment limited for 3 mins

Public comments

• Donna Grady, K teacher and president of teachers union. I understand the frustration around not getting an answer. We are forgetting we are in the middle of a pandemic, even in school it is not normal, #s are down now because of hybrid. When they go, they will spread #schcom0112
• "Educators do not do this to be first responders" #schcom0112 what is the overall goal? Bring back K-1, bring back all? Let's decide so it helps our discussion. Not clear on what info we need, what is it that is good for Franklin? Parmenter closed Monday, and now 4 rest of week
• "we can't help our high needs students" #schcom0112 "we are doing our best" students are making progress, same as normal time, probably not. "Logistically it is a nightmare" "while I appreciate the rosy picture of Oak St, the at home experience is not so rosy"
• "If we need to find additional planning time, don't take it from synchronous teaching time" #schcom0112 "a silver lining is that the school Committee meeting is virtual so I can participate" please continue. "Don't give up on finding a solution"
• #schcom0112 "not comfortable about the shorter distances" multigenerational families "would rather have all stay alive and stay healthy" so we can be together again "there is a way to do this without being in 5 days a week"
• #schcom0112 speak to the real effect on the staff. DESE as of Jan 6, 35/100k. 253/75k. A factor of ten more teachers with COVID per DESE #s in comparison to Franklin #s, " the numbers support their concerns" Budget Subcommittee 1/14, Community relations met last week

Information updates/closing

• Legislative forum scheduled for March 2, will be virtual. Policy meeting next on 1/21. DT Subcommittee meeting 1/14 #schcom0112 why review of the agenda before the meeting? To review or change the order or take something off
• New business, update on FHS, homework update, vote on next school year calendar. Consent agenda https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet #schcom0112 motion, seconded, passes 6-0 (1 left early)
• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to public meeting seconded, passes 6-0 via roll call. #schcom0112 That's all for tonight, catch you next time! 

 

School Committee - Jan 12, 2021 - Meeting Recap

Boston Globe: Gov Baker "signs economic and housing package, but vetoes some tenant protections"

"Governor Charlie Baker on Thursday signed a nearly $627 million economic development bill, but rejected a handful of measures in the sprawling package, including two designed to further protect tenants.

Baker’s signature will put in motion hundreds of millions of state borrowing over the next five years, which officials say will help jumpstart a state economy battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The package includes more than $100 million in bonding authority to help small businesses, 15 percent caps on third-party delivery fees imposed by the likes of Grubhub and DoorDash, and legislation Baker has pushed for years to ease housing-related zoning changes.

The language, known as Housing Choice, will reduce the voting threshold from a two-thirds majority to a simple majority needed to pass a range of land-use issues in cities and towns. Baker has said the change will help spur much needed housing throughout the state."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/15/metro/baker-signs-economic-housing-package-vetoes-some-tenant-protections/

Direct link to the Legislation  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H5250

CommonWealth Magazine article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/baker-signs-626-million-economic-development-bill/

“Reluctantly, I cannot sign this legislation as currently written"

"Governor Charlie Baker vetoed a far-reaching package of climate change and energy legislation Thursday, rejecting — perhaps temporarily — a bill that would have set the state on a path to in effect eliminate its carbon emissions over the next three decades.

The move disappointed but didn’t surprise lawmakers and advocates, who had feared the Republican governor would veto the bill, despite having laid out his own ambitious plan to achieve zero emissions on a net basis by 2050.

The legislation, considered the state’s most sweeping measure to address climate change since the landmark Global Warming Solutions Act in 2008, would have required the state to reduce its emissions by 50 percent below 1990 levels by the end of the decade."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/15/metro/reluctantly-governor-vetoes-mass-climate-change-bill-it-may-soon-be-back-his-desk/

Direct link to Climate legislation doc: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2995

 

CommonWealth Magazine article:  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/environment/in-veto-letter-baker-objects-to-a-lot-in-climate-change-bill/

 

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano:

“Climate change is the greatest existential threat facing our state, our nation, and our planet, and so Governor Baker should sign the climate change bill that is now on his desk. Should he not take this important step, the Senate and House are united in our intention to refile and pass the conference committee bill in its entirety and get it onto the Governor’s desk in the coming days.”

Emergency relief plan announced

"President-elect Joe Biden laid out a $1.9 trillion emergency relief plan Thursday night that will serve as an early test of his ability to steer the nation out of a pandemic disaster and rapidly deteriorating economy — and his promise to unite a divided Congress.

The wide-ranging package is designed to take aim at the twin crises Biden will confront upon taking office Wednesday, with provisions delivering direct aid to American families, businesses and communities, and a major focus on coronavirus testing and vaccine production and delivery as the pandemic surges."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/01/14/biden-stimulus-covid-relief/

The Guardian on the stimulus package

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/14/joe-biden-coronavirus-stimulus-package

The New York Times also on the stimulus

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/business/biden-economy.html

The is light ahead

What are the COVID-19 symptoms?

"Symptoms of covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, can range from mild to severe. The most common include fever, a dry cough or shortness of breath, but there are other indications you could need to be tested or have a conversation with your doctor.

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and the order in which they appear can vary. Some people don’t show any symptoms — what health experts call “asymptomatic” cases — but still could spread the virus to others.

Although this list is not inclusive of every possible symptom, it includes what physicians and health experts have determined are the most common. Some of these symptoms will coincide with one another. Symptoms of a coronavirus infection can emerge anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure to the virus."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/12/02/covid-symptoms/

You can also use the CDC symptom checking

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Town of Franklin's COVID-19 Information Portal

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal

Register O’Donnell Reports Solid Real Estate Performance for 2020 Despite COVID-19

While the COVID-19 pandemic caused personal and economic upheaval in the lives of one and all, Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reports the Norfolk County real estate market remained viable and strong throughout the 2020 calendar year.

“By remaining open for the recording of land documents while the COVID-19 pandemic has been ongoing,” noted Register O’Donnell, “the Norfolk County real estate market was able to remain viable in 2020. Coupled with low interest rates and motivated buyers and sellers, the 2020 Norfolk County real estate market produced solid results across the board, in particular strong lending numbers.”

O’Donnell stated, “During 2020, a total of 18,413 residential and commercial real estate sales transactions were recorded, no statistical change from 2019 but a solid result nonetheless. Total real estate dollar sales, again both residential and commercial, increased 12% to $10.3 billion. The average real estate sales transaction price, combining both residential and commercial sales, was $903,423, an increase of 12% from the previous year. The increases seen in housing prices, particularly residential housing, was a direct result of buyers competing for a limited number of available housing stock.”

Register O’Donnell noted there was a total of 179,260 land documents recorded at the Registry during 2020, a 19% increase compared to the previous year. “A primary cause of the land document recording increase in 2020 was a 54% increase in the number of mortgages, including mortgage refinances and home equity loans, recorded countywide. Specifically, a total of 45,669 mortgages were recorded during the year versus 29,740 recorded in 2019. Total mortgage financing increased 18% year over year coming in at $20.7 billion. This huge increase in mortgage recordings can be attributed to historically low mortgage interest rates seen during 2020,” noted the Register.

Calendar year 2020 saw Norfolk County property owners continue to avail themselves of the protections provided by the Homestead Act. A total of 12,487 Homesteads were recorded, no statistical change from 2019. Register O’Donnell reminded Norfolk County homeowners about the importance of having Homestead protection. “A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. For more information about the Homestead, please consult the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.”

During 2020, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds closely monitored the foreclosure market. From April 20, 2020 through October 17, 2020 a moratorium on foreclosure and evictions was in place throughout Massachusetts. 

Register O’Donnell noted, “The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds worked in close cooperation with Attorney General Maura Healey’s office to ensure there were no abuses being perpetrated against homeowners while the COVID-19 state of emergency foreclosure moratorium was taking place. With the moratorium on foreclosures concluded, we have begun to see a small number of foreclosure deeds and notice to foreclose mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, cross our desks here at the Registry. We at the Registry of Deeds are very sensitive to the plight of those facing challenges paying their mortgage payments. Some of our neighbors are facing choices between paying for food and paying for housing. As we have throughout my tenure, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying the monthly mortgage payment, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance.”

Register O’Donnell concluded, “2020 was certainly a year of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic tested all of us in many unique and profound ways. While all of us have been impacted on a personal level, some were more economically impacted than others. Many small businesses and sectors of our economy, such as restaurant and hospitality, were devastated by the pandemic. Fortunately, the Norfolk County real estate market was able to remain viable. By listening to public health officials, practicing social distancing, implementing split shifts during portions of the calendar year, utilizing our disaster recovery site, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds was able to remain open for business to serve our customers, the residents of Norfolk County and real estate professionals alike. By continuing to record land documents here at the Registry, sellers and buyers of real estate were able to reap the benefits of real estate transactions. Deeds excise monies collected were forwarded to the state where they helped pay for critical programs at the state, county and local levels including health care, education and law enforcement. The COVID-19 pandemic continues. Some say the worst is yet to come. "

"Please know the Registry of Deeds will do all it can to remain open for business while ensuring the safety of our employees. While our office remains physically closed to the general public, the Registry of Deeds remains operational. The Registry staff continues to record documents electronically for our institutional users, and are accepting land documents via Federal Express and regular mail. There is also a drop-off box located just outside the main entrance to our building located at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA. As your Norfolk County Register of Deeds, I want to wish of you a happy and healthy 2021, how could it not be better, and thank each and every one of you for the cooperation, patience and understanding you have shown myself and my staff during this challenging year in all our lives. Be healthy. Be safe.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at Facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
 

Register O’Donnell Reports Solid Real Estate Performance for 2020 Despite COVID-19

 

St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group - February Meeting announcement

The Women's Faith Formation Group of St. Mary's in Franklin  is pleased to welcome back Dr. Aldona Lingertat as guest speaker for our February 6th zoom meeting.  

Dr. Lingertat is the Director of the Master of Arts in Ministry and the Master in Theological Studies programs at St. John's Seminary.  Her topic will be "Women in the Bible Facing Crisis" and there will be time at the end of the program for discussion. 

The meeting will be held February 6th at 9:30 AM.  If you are interested in attending, please email Deacon Guy (deaconguy@stmarysfranklin.org) to receive the link.

 

St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group

 

Stormwater Utility Fee Recommendations

Document shared with the Finance Committee meeting on Jan 13, 2021 as a preview of the discussion coming up at a Town Council meeting soon.

 

Re:    Stormwater Utility Recommendations 

 

Dear Jamie,

Based on discussions, thoughts, and conversations of data presented over three meetings to the Town Council Stormwater Ad-hoc Committee a vote was taken on September 9th, 2020, of said committee, to present to the full Franklin Town Council the following findings and recommendations. These findings and recommendations are needed to implement a stormwater fee and program as previously established in the Town Charter and as required by federal law under the MS4 Permit.

Set the stormwater user fee at $18.66 per billing unit, per year: This would mean the fee for an “average single family household” (with 3 billing units) would be $56.00 per year, and billed at $14.00 per quarter. 

 

The fee would begin on January 1st, 2022.

The public may go to this website and review their personal property, how many billing units for their land and estimate the fee impact. Stormwater & Impervious Area Map.

Billing Units: The available billing units were updated and recalculated using natural rounding (after the first 1000 square feet (SF). Some additional points:

●    Properties with less than 200 SF are considered undeveloped and will not be billed a fee (as defined in the Stormwater Utility By-law, Section 153-21).

●    For properties with impervious area of 200 SF to 1,499 SF, they will be assigned one billing unit.

●    Since the Stormwater Utility By-law defines an individual billing unit equal to one thousand (1,000) square feet of impervious surface, each increase of 1,000 SF will increase the number of billing units by 1.

 

 

Stormwater Information Sessions/Ad-Hoc Committee meetings:

• Sep 9, 2020 - audio and recap - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/fm-346-stormwater-ad-hoc-subcomm-mtg.html
• Aug 8, 2020 - Audio and recap - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-327-stormwater-subcomm-mtg-80520.html
• Mar 11, 2020 - Storm water utility Information session #2 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-225-stormwater-utility-session-2.html
  
• Mar 6, 2020 - Storm water information session #1 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-223-stormwater-utility-fee-info.html
  

Stormwater Division page:  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

 

Check out your property and billing units on the GIS Map

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5

 

Find the full memo on Google Drive here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Svmr_IgeTSu_XYwXEpFcDpnSi3CLzqgb/view?usp=sharing

Find the full memo embedded here:

 

 

rain garden at Parmenter one of many installed around Franklin to help with storm water mitigation

 

Hope, Through History: Episode 3 = The Polio Epidemic

 

"From the late 19th to mid 20th centuries, the nation lived in fear of the polio virus. Often handicapping or paralyzing its victims, sometimes resulting in death, the disease was made all the more frightening by the fact that it preyed on young children. 

Generations of Americans were affected by this incurable illness until a brilliant young medical researcher, empowered by the coordinated efforts of public and private institutions, developed a miraculous vaccine. 

The expert knowledge and first-hand experiences of Walter Isaacson, David Oshinsky and Geoff Ward, assist Jon Meacham in telling a story which begins with debilitating fear and ends with everlasting hope. "

Listen to the episode here (33 minutes)

or here  https://shows.cadence13.com/podcast/hope-through-history/episodes/b076c2a6-219b-4059-b31c-02efc646abbf

 

Or look for "Hope, Through History" on your favorite podcast app. As an alternative, you can also look for John Meachem. 

Hope, Through History:  Episode 3  = The Polio Epidemic

Ben's guide to mask wearing - #DoYourPartFranklin

Wearing a mask properly matters!

Just ask Ben!

#DoYourPartFranklin #WearAMask #itmatters #benknows Franklin Police Department

Shared from Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/2814708462132495/

Ben's guide to mask wearing - #DoYourPartFranklin

Sign up for the group walk on the SNETT - Jan 24, 2021

Please join us for a socially distanced group walk on the SNETT on Sunday, January 24 at 10 AM. We will start from the Center Street parking lot in Bellingham.

Masks are required for anyone 2 years old and up. Leashed dogs are always welcome. 

 

***Registration is required***
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084BAAAC28A13-january

In case the parking area at Center St is full, please proceed to Fox Run Rd for additional trail parking (marked). 

 

Questions, please email us at fbrtcommittee@gmail.com. Thank you.

 

Shared from the Rail Trail Committee page

https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/january-2021-guided-walk/

Follow the event on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1540318952825885/?post_id=1540318959492551&view=permalink

Sign up for the group walk on the SNETT - Jan 24, 2021

"Please make sure you take home everything you bring on the trail. That includes dog poop bags. Thank you."

 

friendly reminder

FHS girls hockey top King Philip 2-1; boys hockey drops 4-5 contest

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:

 

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ King Philip, 1 – Final

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ King Philip, 5 – Final

"Just 48 hours removed from another loss to Franklin, King Philip boys hockey coach Paul Carlow challenged each player on his roster.

Carlow challenged his squad to work harder, play with structure, and play at the level he knew they were capable of doing — something he believes they failed to do in Monday night’s 6-1 setback in Franklin.

The Warriors answered their coach’s challenge and were rewarded in the form of a 5-4 win over the Panthers.

It marks KP’s first win over Franklin in over 20 years according to research by HockomockSports.com and local high school hockey guru Jim Clark. The last win found by either came in 2000 when the Warriors won 4-3. "

Continue reading the game recap by Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com:

https://hockomocksports.com/king-philip-boys-hockey-first-win-over-franklin-2000/

For a photo gallery of this game  https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2020-2021/Winter-2020-2021/King-Philip-Franklin-Boys-Hockey-01-13-21/

 

For other results around the Hockomock League   https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-13-21/

 

 

King Philip junior Ian Hill scores on a second period breakaway against Franklin. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

 

CommonWealth Magazine: Will Gov Baker sign the climate bill?

"For Baker, crunch time on climate change"

"LAST WEEK, a bipartisan climate bill passed with overwhelming majorities in the Massachusetts House and Senate. Gov. Charlie Baker now has to choose – by Thursday at midnight – between cementing his and the Commonwealth’s position as climate leaders, or withholding the tools needed for Massachusetts to comply with its own climate law.

A broad coalition of business, health, environmental, and environmental justice groups supports the bill. It includes key efforts that the Baker administration and the Legislature alike have deemed essential: offshore wind, better appliance efficiency standards, natural gas safety measures, and much more. Critically, the bill updates the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act by including a mandate to reduce state emissions to net zero by 2050, and centers environmental justice in policy-making. This bill sets the course for decarbonizing our economy and society over the next 30 years."

Continue reading the article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/for-baker-crunch-time-on-climate-change/

 

Direct link to Climate legislation doc: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2995

 

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano

“Climate change is the greatest existential threat facing our state, our nation, and our planet, and so Governor Baker should sign the climate change bill that is now on his desk. Should he not take this important step, the Senate and House are united in our intention to refile and pass the conference committee bill in its entirety and get it onto the Governor’s desk in the coming days.”

The Hill: "Another day, another record: US sets new record for daily COVID deaths with over 4,300"

In Town Administrator Jamie Hellen's update to the Finance Committee on Wednesday, our numbers showed an increase of 100 new cases. The State DPH releases the weekly community numbers at 5:00 PM on Thursday. Meanwhile, from The Hill we find the US set a new record for COVID deaths:

"Another day, another record: US sets new record for daily COVID deaths with over 4,300

Coronavirus deaths climbed to another record high on Tuesday in the United States, with a stunning 4,327 people dying in a single day, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Deaths from COVID-19 are increasing at an alarming rate in the U.S. The seven-day average for daily deaths rose from about 2,600 per day to about 3,300 in the past week, a New York Times tracker shows."

Continue reading the article  https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/overnights/534150-overnight-health-care-us-sets-new-record-for-daily-covid-deaths

 

John Hopkins link: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/us-map

NY Times link: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html

 

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities in DPW, Facilities, Treasurer's Office

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

• Assistant Treasurer/Collector 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/asst.tc-jobposting-jan2021-extended-deadline.docx_0.pdf

• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/dpw-hmeo-posting-nov242020.pdf

 

• Substitute Custodian

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/sub.custodian-posting-jan2021.pdf

 

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf

 

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities in DPW, Facilities, Treasurer's Office

FTC Consumer Alert: Target for new COVID scam: Small business owners

Target for new COVID scam: Small business owners by Lesley Fair, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC There's a new coronavirus-related scam making the rounds, but this time the crooks are targeting small businesses. It starts with an email that claims to come from the "Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance." It says you're eligible for a loan of up to $250,000 and asks for personal information like birth date and Social Security number.  Let's do a CSI-style investigation to spot clues that the email is a fake. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/01/target-new-covid-scam-small-business-owners?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Washington Post: "Three reasons a negative coronavirus test doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not infected"

"Three reasons a negative coronavirus test doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not infected"

 

"Rampant community transmission of the coronavirus and a crippled vaccine rollout have boxed people into a corner: Many are relying on negative test results, inherently limited in usefulness, as a certificate of clearance to see family and friends.

While testing is critical to containing the outbreak, a negative test result is not a free pass to forgo social distancing, mask-wearing and other mitigation measures. Here are a few reminders about what a negative coronavirus test means and doesn’t mean."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/01/13/false-negative-covid-test/

Town of Franklin's COVID-19 Information Portal

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal

 

 

FM #432 Talk Franklin - 1/08/21 (audio)

FM #432 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 432 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• Town Council recap
• Hazard plan
• Beaver St interceptor authorization
• Playground donation

Pandemic

• Updated COVID-19 dashboard
• Restrictions extended 2 weeks – Jan 24
• Vaccine for first responders, handling the media

Looking ahead

• Listening session – Jan 13
• Council preview items
• storm water
• complete streets

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. 

The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6b4b58ab-ae0d-4a59-84e0-0147680b0c03

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Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF)
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/01-06-2021_town_council_agenda.pdf

Hazard Mitigation presentation doc  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._hazard_mitigation_presentation_2020_update_presentation_handout.pdf

Hazard Mitigation Plan
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._hazard_mitigation_0.pdf

Beaver St summary document  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._21-02_beaver_street_interceptor.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/town-council-meeting-jan-6-2021-recap.html  

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

FM #432 Talk Franklin - 1/08/21 (audio)