FTC Kicks Off National Consumer Protection Week this Sunday, March 6

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will launch the annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) this Sunday, March 6. 

Joined by other federal, state, and local agencies, consumer and national advocacy organizations, the FTC will spend March 6-12 sharing information with Americans on how they can avoid scams, identity theft, and other consumer protection issues.

To support these efforts, the FTC and its partners have organized a series of programming ranging from webinars to Twitter chats and livestreams. Topics of interest include college students and cryptocurrency scams, financial caregiving, and how to recover from fraud.

For more about events coming up this week -> https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2022/03/ftc-kicks-national-consumer-protection-week-sunday-march-6?utm_source=govdelivery 

FTC Kicks Off National Consumer Protection Week this Sunday, March 6

Franklin Library: Celebrating Ireland in Story & Song - March 5 - 3 PM

Celebrating Ireland in Story & Song, Saturday, March 5, 3:00 PM

Celtic music with 'Celebrating Ireland in Story & Song'. Come join us for an afternoon celebrating the music, hilarity and dance of Ireland. 

Phil Edmonds (originally from County Clare), is an (alleged) leprechaun who plays the tin whistle and button accordion with great warmth and spirit. 

Kevin Fallon (by way of county Roscommon and Mayo) is a soulful guitarist, fiddler and singer. 

Mary King (Up Donegal & Cavan) joins in with the fiddle, Celtic Harp and voice. She also teaches a beginning Irish step 1/2 hour before the program. Get your green on, warm up your voices and sit back and enjoy. 

This program is in-person, free, and open to the public. 

For more information about Celebrating Ireland, please visit  ->   https://marykingharpist.com/celebrating-ireland/

Franklin Library: Celebrating Ireland in Story & Song - March 5 - 3 PM

 

MASS Senate Unveils Oversight Reform for Veterans’ Homes

On Thursday, March 3, 2022, the Massachusetts State Senate unveiled legislation to increase public oversight over the administration of state-operated veterans’ homes in Holyoke and Chelsea. To improve safety and transparency at the veterans’ homes, the bill would restructure the chain of command to more closely match established administrative practices used in hospitals and other large organizations. This legislation follows continued scrutiny of administrative failures at the veterans’ home in Holyoke, which led to the tragic deaths of 77 veterans during the early days of the pandemic, and builds on recommendations made by the Special Joint Oversight Committee on the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke COVID-19 Outbreak, which investigated.
 
“As the daughter of a veteran, I continue to be heartbroken for the families of those who lost their lives to COVID-19 at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I would like to thank the Special Joint Oversight Committee on the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke COVID-19 Outbreak for their thorough investigation of this tragedy, as well as my colleagues in the Senate who have remained focused on dramatic and drastic governance reform to our veterans’ services to ensure the tragedy that occurred in Holyoke never happens again. The Senate will continue to lead in its efforts to support the brave men and women who have served our country. I want to thank Senator Rush for his careful attention to and leadership on this issue, and Senator Rodrigues and the Veterans Committee for their partnership in crafting this bill.”
 
“This bill will help make sure the tragedy that occurred at Holyoke Soldiers’ Home never happens again by prioritizing accountability and oversight and establishing clear chains of command at our state’s long-term care facilities for veterans,” said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thank you to Senate President for her leadership and to Senator Rush and the Veterans Committee for their work in shaping this bill and their tireless commitment to supporting veterans. I look forward to a robust debate in the Senate.”
 
“The Soldiers’ Homes have long suffered from gaps in accountability and a confused chain of command, factors which left it unable to deal with a crisis like the one we saw with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Michael F. Rush (D-Boston), Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and sponsor of the bill. “The language the Senate will take up tightens these gaps, enhances the level of oversight by elevating the Secretary of Veterans’ Services to a cabinet level position, and creates a stronger governing structure that supports our veterans and provides high quality care. Thank you to Senate President Spilka, Chairman Rodrigues, and my colleagues in the Senate for your continued support of the commonwealth’s veterans.”
 
This comprehensive reform bill is designed to increase the safety of residents of veterans’ homes in the Commonwealth. A new, full-time ombudsperson would receive, investigate, and assist in resolving complaints related to the health, wellbeing, and rights of veterans’ homes’ residents and staff. To effectively aid these efforts, a public hotline would be created for residents and staff to direct concerns. The bill would also task the Department of Public Health with regularly inspecting the homes, with all inspection reports would being made publicly available.
 
State-operated veterans’ homes in Massachusetts are managed by a superintendent, who is responsible for everyday operation of the homes and for ensuring improvements to quality of care. The Senate’s legislation would give the authority to appoint a superintendent for each of the Veterans’ Homes to the Executive Director of the Office of Veterans’ Homes and Housing (OVHH). Under the legislation, superintendents would be required to fulfill certain criteria, including being a licensed nursing home administrator with experience running a long-term care facility. Priority would also be given to superintendent candidates who are themselves veterans.
 
The Executive Director of OVHH would be appointed by the Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans Services, which would be elevated to a cabinet-level position, appointed by the governor. The Secretary would be required to promulgate regulations concerning the operations and administration of veterans’ homes. Elevating the Secretary to a cabinet-level position would facilitate more timely attention to all personnel challenges.
 
In addition to altering the command structure responsible for managing veterans’ homes, the bill would also create a statewide Massachusetts Veterans’ Homes Advisory Council, tasked with recommending policies to the Secretary of Veterans Services, as well as Regional Councils, which would be tasked with representing the interests of the local community, residents, and family members at each veterans’ home. Both the statewide Massachusetts Veterans’ Homes Advisory Council and Regional Councils would report annually to the Secretary and to the Legislature. Together with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, these councils would be empowered to submit nominations for and recommend the removal of superintendents. 
 
Furthermore, the bill would require each home to have a full-time specialist in infection control and emergency preparedness and to adhere to medically-sound guidelines for trauma-informed care.  Additionally, the homes would be required to maintain organizational plans, updated annually, for normal operations as well as emergency operations.
 
This legislation would set procedures and guidelines for filling vacant positions at veterans’ homes, including posting job openings in a timely fashion and ensuring that an employee is available to temporarily be tasked with any unfulfilled emergency duties while the position is vacant. Additionally, annual performance reviews would be mandated for all leadership positions at each home.
 
To facilitate veterans’ access to health care, state-operated veterans’ homes would be required to accept Medicare and Medicaid payments. The bill would also provide mental health resources to employees of state-operated veterans’ homes who worked during the pandemic and create a commission to rename the Veterans’ Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke after specific Massachusetts veterans,
 
Amendments to An Act relative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the commonwealth’s veterans’ homes will be due on Monday, March 7, 2022, and the bill will be debated by the Senate next week.   https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2739

MASS Senate Unveils Oversight Reform for Veterans’ Homes

MetroWest Partnership Reveals Strategic Plan for 2022-2027

Strategicmetro Plan 2022-2027 (https://www.495partnership.org/strategic-plan) At its meeting of March 2nd, 2022, the 495/MetroWest Partnership’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt a five-year strategic plan for the organization: Click here to access the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan of the 495/MetroWest Partnership Click here to access a two-page Executive Summary of the plan, outlining key components The plan was developed with the guidance of Ann Budner of ABudner Strategy Consulting, with assistance from Jay Vogt of Peoplesworth in facilitating stakeholder engagement. The process began in the Spring, with the formation of a Strategic Planning Committee.

Find the full plan and related materials -> https://www.495partnership.org/strategic-plan

MetroWest Partnership Reveals Strategic Plan for 2022-2027 

Franklin's Event Outlook: Mar 4, 2022 to Mar 10, 2022

A relatively quiet weekend. Grand Opening for the book store's new location downtown "Escape Into Fiction". The Democrats will caucus to set their delegates for their convention later this year. The Franklin For All Forum is scheduled for Monday to start the formal discussion around possible zoning changes downtown. Two concerts coming up Tuesday and Wednesday at FHS for middle and high school performances.

Saturday, March 5
10:00am  - Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am - Grand Opening "Escape Into Fiction"
4:00pm - Franklin Democrats Caucus

Sunday, March 6
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, March 7
7:00pm - Franklin For All Forum

Tuesday, March 8
7:00pm - FPS All Town Showcase Concert - Orchestra and Chorus

Wednesday, March 9
7:00pm - FPS All Town Showcase Concert - Band performances

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

FHS Postseason Updates for this weekend & FHS basketball double header scheduled for live streaming Friday, March 4, 2022

Postseason Update:

Fri 3/4

we host a Girls/Boys Basketball doubleheader:

- Girls at 5 v. Braintree

- Boys at 7:15 v. Durfee

Friday night's basketball double-header is scheduled to be livestreamed via the following link from FranklinTV: https://franklintv.vod.castus.tv/vod/?live=ch2&nav=live 

- Girls Ice is at Andover 4:30

Sat 3/5

- Boys Ice is at Wellesley 7 PM

- Gymnastics STATES at Algonquin 2:00

Sun 3/6

- Cheer is at Bellingham Regionals - TBD

FHS Panthers

Panther TV: Panther News - Friday, March 4, 2022 (video)

"On Friday's show: A preview of the big @FHSPantherHocke game, a special night for @DiversityFHS, Dramafest, All State, and all the latest club news! 

@FHSPantherbook @FranklinPSNews @FranklinHS @FHSSports" 

https://t.co/UQoKIeFoRd via @YouTube

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1499421745211744260

The Franklin Republican Town Committee Announces Edward W. Brooke Scholarship

The Franklin Republican Town Committee (RTC), the official organization of registered Republicans in the Town of Franklin, has announced that it is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior at Franklin High School. 

The only requirement is that students applying must demonstrate an understanding of Senator Brooke's legacy and its relevance today. Applicants must submit a brief essay on this topic.

Scholarship information is available from the school starting March 4. The deadline at Franklin High School is Mar. 21.

 

Wednesday, May 25, 2022 is the tentative date for in-person Awards Night at the high school.

 

Republican Senator Edward W.  Brooke, the first black ever elected to the US Senate, represented Massachusetts from 1967 to 1979. He was also a decorated veteran of World War II.

Republican Senator Edward W.  Brooke

Attention FHS senior class: Friends of the Franklin Library Scholarship Opportunity

Friends of the Franklin Library Scholarship Opportunity

Attention FHS Class of 2022! The Friends of the Franklin Library will once again be providing a $1,000 scholarship to a college-bound graduating senior from Franklin High School. 

The scholarship, in memory of Wilma Winters, will be awarded to a student who is a Franklin resident, has done well academically, and has contributed to both FHS and the Franklin community. 

Applications, including this year's essay prompt, will be available from the FHS Guidance Department in early March. We look forward to reading your submissions! 

For more information, please contact fofl02038@gmail.com .

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/friends-franklin-library-scholarship-opportunity

Lisa Rein, left, a Friends of Franklin Library board member, presents a check to Emily Vinson, winner of the Friends of Franklin Library Scholarship in Memory of Wilma Winters for 2020

Angelina Silva-Perez (front) poses with members of the Friends for the 2021 scholarship 

Recap: Economic Development Subcommittee hears plans for March 7 Forum; reviews parking downtown (audio)

FM #743 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 743 in the series. 

This shares the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meeting that was held on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

The meeting was started in a hybrid mode; all four Town Council committee members (Hamblen - Chair, Jones, Frongillo and Sheridan) were present. The two representatives from the Planning Board (Greg Rondeau, Beth Wierling) and the representative from the ZBA (Bruce Hunchard) form the “EDC+” “Franklin For All Steering Committee.” 

The MAPC representatives participated via the Zoom connection. Some public participants and the Town Administration staff were in person. Other public participants were connected via the Zoom conference bridge. 

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. 

This recording runs about 55 minutes.  Let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting for Mar 2, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-743-economic-development-subcmte-plus-mtg-03-03-22

-----------

Meeting agenda 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-03-02_edc_agenda_2.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V5Elt8VgAm40bYLsmg9dP4rGNqXB4nVD/view?usp=sharing 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

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 www.Franklinmatters.org/   or www.franklin.news 

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"

Recap: Economic Development Subcommittee hears plans for March 7 Forum; reviews parking downtown (audio)

Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW) - schedules webinar on statewide climate change impacts

Via Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW) (@climatecrews) 

Interested in making your voice heard at the state level? 

Join the conversation about statewide climate change impacts affecting you, your families, and your community. 

Follow this link https://t.co/xnA1fEbyqS  to register.

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/LnAAVO09VP

Or register here -> https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsf-qhqDIrGphrqSARwCPWvjZB-noI3uo

Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW) - schedules webinar on statewide climate change impacts

St Patrick's Dinner at Senior Center -call to reserve your spot now

The @FranklinSrCntr is having their St. Patrick's Day Corned Beef and Cabbage meal prepared and served by the @FranklinMAfire on March 17th from 11:30 AM-1 PM.  

Seats are limited so call 508-520-4945 to reserve a spot now!

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1499450297005060101

St Patrick's Dinner at Senior Center -call to reserve your spot now

Health Department: March's Health Observance is Colorectal Cancer

March's Health Observance is Colorectal Cancer. Regular screening begins at age 45 and is the key to prevention.  

Learn more at: www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal

You received this message because you are subscribed to the [Town of Franklin-Health Department] group.

Replies to this email will go to the Town of Franklin-Health Department group. To reply only to Alisha Deptula, email adeptula@franklinma.gov.

March's Health Observance is Colorectal Cancer

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Mar 4, 2022

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Narcan Availability

8:29:00 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19

9:00:00 am Frank Presents: State House Pt. 3

10:00 am Physician Focus: Common and Emerging Diseases

11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 1

11:30 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Narcan Availability

12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs

1:00:00 pm Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19

1:30:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 show 4

3:00 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Paolo DiGregorio

7:00 pm SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

8:00 pm Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 1

8:30 pm The Black Box: Beth Leavel 

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 01-29-19

8:30 am It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club

9:30 am FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 0-12-22

11:30 am FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v King Philip 02-18-22

1:30 pm Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

3:30 pm Public School Concert: Sullivan Winter Music 2019

5:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v St. John's Prep 02-16-22

8:30 pm Public School Concert: FHS Concert Night 2019

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 01-27-22

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 01-27-22

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf     

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

LiveARTS concert - Michael Lewin - March 13

We are excited to announce an upcoming LiveARTS concert with the internationally acclaimed pianist, Michael Lewin! Mr. Lewin will perform works of Scarlatti, Beethoven, Debussy, Liszt and others.

When: Sunday, March 13 at 3:00 PM

Where: The Meetinghouse, First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St., Franklin.

Tickets will be available at the door- $25/adults; by donation/17 and under

For more details and to purchase tickets online please visit our website: https://www.liveartsma.org/

LiveARTS concert - Michael Lewin - March 13

Dr. Kevin P. O'Malley - Obituary - Franklin, MA - Charles F. Oteri and Son

Dr. Kevin P. O'Malley - Obituary - Franklin, MA - Charles F. Oteri and Son - Franklin Funeral Home | CurrentObituary.com: Obituary, funeral and service information for Dr. Kevin P. O'Malley by Charles F. Oteri and Son - Franklin Funeral Home, Franklin, MA

He served on the School Committee for two terms (during my time reporting) so I got to see him at many meetings and occasions for at least four years. He was the ultimate professional and deeply devoted to education. He'll be missed. - Steve Sherlock

Dr. Kevin P. O'Malley

Franklin Senior Center Newsletter - March 2022

Read, download your copy from the Senior Center page or the embedded copy below  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/march_2022_newsletter_franklin_senior_center_pdf.pdf

Franklin Senior Center Newsletter - March 2022

Recap: Board of Health working unsafe building issues, part of State process for vaccine distribution, expanding awareness of health issues (audio)

Quick recap:

• Meeting opened with one member remote, all other Board of Health and Health Dept personnel in the 3rd floor training room of the Municipal Bldg.
• Demolition permit pulled for unsafe house at 27 Winter St that day. Continuing to monitor
• Discussion of unsafe house at 71 North Park, attorney and one side of the two owners for this unique situation present. House hit by lightning and unrepaired as of yet as the owners work through legal issues around the property (housing ownership not divided in 'normal' manner). To be monitored monthly to determine progress towards resolution
• Nurse has completed registration of Town with State for vaccine distribution, a new clinic for COVID-19 vaccine for youth being scheduled
• Updated COVID-19 case information on Health Dept page (link below)
• Expansion of health info via (1) alerts (colorectal cancer most recent one) and (2) a new podcast episode recorded on Wednesday for The Topic; this time on music therapy. Recording should be available soon

My notes were captured via Twitter and summarized in this ThreadReader PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EFS3bL5jD_QV0lbyROEIp1sbmwt2TljV/view?usp=sharing 

The audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-742-board-of-health-mtg-03-02-22

FM #742 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 742 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Mar 2, 2022. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room with 1 BoH member remote and at least one public attendee participating remotely virtually via the Zoom conference bridge.

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting of Mar 2, 2022.

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Meeting agenda 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/boh_agenda_03022022.pdf 

27 Winter St being prepared for demolition