Senate President Spilka: Important COVID-19 Updates

Plus links to resources

Important COVID Updates COVID is still with us, but Massachusetts is prepared. For many of us, COVID-19 continues to be a source of uncertainty. Should we mask or not? Is it safe to socialize? What can we expect in the weeks and months to come? I hope the resources in this newsletter will help you keep up to date with the latest COVID developments and make the best decisions for yourself, your families and your communities. As of this month, data from across Massachusetts suggests that we are in the midst of a small surge in COVID cases. The predominance of cases are now concentrated among young adults. Fortunately, the surge has been significantly less deadly and resulted in fewer hospitalizations than the surge Massachusetts experienced at the start of 2022. However, the current surge has not peaked yet. COVID-19 is transmitted through the air, so being outdoors or opening windows can reduce of the likelihood of spread, even in crowded settings. Recently, supplemental budget legislation designed to continue our state's efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and ensure robust preparation in the event of a future variant outbreak was passed by the Legislature and signed into law. Thanks to this bill, we can ensure continued no-cost availability of crucial services offered to residents during the pandemic, including testing, vaccinations, treatment, and public health staffing needs resulting from COVID-19.   As always, my office is available if you need assistance or wish to share your opinion. You can email me at karen.spilka@masenate.gov or call 617-722-1500. Take care, and be well! Warm regards, Am I eligible for a booster shot? The CDC recommends that everyone ages five years and older receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. LEARN MORE ABOUT BOOSTERS FOR 5-11 YEAR OLDS Those who are eligible for ONE BOOSTER after completing the COVID-19 vaccine primary series: Children ages 5-12 Everyone ages 12 years and older Those who are eligible for a SECOND BOOSTER four months after the first: Adults ages 50 years and older People ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised People who got 2 doses (1 primary dose and 1 booster) of Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine LEARN MORE ABOUT BOOSTERS FROM THE CDC Is one-way masking effective? Short answer: yes! While masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing one, wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask worn correctly still decreases your own risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. You get the best protection from a N95 or KN95 mask that seals well on your face and remains in place. There should be no gaps around the nose, chin, or cheeks. Read more on mask effectiveness: NPR: I'm a one-way masker. With mask mandates going away, is that helpful? New York Times: Does My Mask Protect Me if Nobody Else Is Wearing One? COVID Resources Rapid Tests Rapid tests play an important role in keeping community transmission low. They allow for sooner infection detection, decreased spread and earlier contact tracing. As of May 17, all U.S. households are eligible to order an additional eight free at-home rapid tests, bringing the total number of such free tests made available to each household by the Biden administration to 16. REGISTER FOR THESE TESTS AT COVIDTESTS.GOV Additionally, all Massachusetts insurance companies and Medicare now will pay for eight rapid tests per person per month. PCR Tests If you've been exposed to COVID-19 but have no symptoms, scheduling a PCR test is a good option. FIND A PCR TEST LOCATION MORE INFO ON WHICH TEST TO TAKE AND WHEN Treatment Free treatments for COVID-19 are available. They can help prevent hospitalization and reduce your chance for severe disease. Treatment is available for people who are at increased risk of severe disease, test positive for COVID-19 and have any symptoms, including mild ones such as runny nose or cough. The sooner you start treatment, the better. LEARN MORE ABOUT TREATMENT OPTIONS Masks Earlier this year, the Massachusetts Legislature allocated $25 million for the state to purchase and distribute high-quality masks, with priority given to education and health care workers. High-quality masks are now available for free in some pharmacies. CDC MASK LOCATOR Vaccinations The Legislature continues to provide financial support for COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster shots, so that these are available free to all residents, workers, and students in Massachusetts ages five years and up. MASSACHUSETTS VAXFINDER Data The state continues to monitor the development and spread of COVID-19 variants. You can stay prepared by keeping up with the data too! COVID-19 RESPONSE REPORTING karenspilka.com

Senate President Karen E. Spilka | Massachusetts State House, Room 332, Boston, MA 02133 Sent by karen.spilka@masenate.gov powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, May 24, 2022

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen
Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder

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

7:00 am Memorial Day 2021

9:00 am It Takes A Village: Ethan Dimarino

10:00 am Frank's Musings: Return To Ukraine

11:30 am Senior Connection: Sleep

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm Sandya: Pasta

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 2

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8

3:30 pm Franklin Downtown Partnership: Strawberry Stroll 2019

4:00 pm Battleship Cove: Preserving the Fleet

4:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 2 - Paul Kelly

5:30 pm Physician Focus: Common and Emerging Diseases

8:30 pm The Drummers Studio: 11th Anniversary Show Two

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

7:00 am Public School Event: FHS Summer Music 2021

9:00 am Public School Concert: Elementary Music Pt. 3 06-04-18

10:30 am FHS Varsity Baseball: v Taunton 05-11-22

12:30 pm Public School Concert: FHS Concert Night 2019

2:00 pm It Takes A Village: Ethan Dimarino

5:00 pm Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

8:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Notre Dame Hingham 05-18-22

10:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball: v Attleboro 05-09-22

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

8:00 am School Committee: 05-10-22

11:00 am Economic Development: 05-04-22

12:00 pm Finance Committee: 05-11-22

2:00 pm School Committee: 05-10-22

7:00 pm School Committee: LIVE, Chambers, 819 8910 0206, Code 000249

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)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Budget hearing #2 & vote on budget - May 26, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 26, 2022 - 7:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

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.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three 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. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. FY23 Town Council Annual Operating Budget Hearing

i. FY23 Voting Document   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/voting_document_fincom_level_fy23.pdf

ii. FY23 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022-04-20_fy_2023_budget_message_narrative_working_document_5.pdf

iii. Appendix A1 - Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book (per Town Charter prevision 6-5-1 and 6-5-2)    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/appendix_a_town_of_franklin_budget_book_fy23_2.pdf

iv. Appendix B1 - Franklin School Committee Recommended FY22 Budget Executive

Summary  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/02._fy23_executive_summary-revised_4-25-22.pdf

4. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. La Cantina Winery - Farmer-Winery, Farmer’s Market License   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/4a._la_cantina_license_trans_and_app.pdf

5. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-31: Departmental FY23 Expenditure Limits, Town Code Chapter 73, MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E1/2 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-31 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5a._22-31_-_town_council_fy23_expenditure_limits.pdf

b. Resolution 22-32: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Town Clerk (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-32 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5b._22-32_clerks_salary.pdf

c. Resolution 22-33: Adoption of the FY23 Budget (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-33 - Majority  Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5c._22-33_final_recommendation_voting_document_fy23.pdf

6. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

7. COUNCIL COMMENTS

8. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (all Town unions) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental  effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.

9. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda document with remote connection info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_may_26_2022.pdf

FY 2023 budget materials ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-23-budget-materials

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Budget hearing #2 & vote on budget - May 26, 2022 - 7 PM

Did you get your tickets to The One Act Play That Goes Wrong yet? Performances Jun 10 & 11, 2022

WHY WAIT UNTIL OPENING NIGHT? Purchase tickets online today—it's quick and easy! The One Act Play That Goes Wrong Presented By Franklin High School Theatre Company Jun 10 2022, 7:00 PM Jun 11 2022, 2:00 PM BUY TICKETS https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/franklin-high-school-theatre-company/the-one-act-play-that-goes-wrong-31270 Franklin High School 218 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Visit here for more information. TICKETING BY

On The Stage · 254 West 54th Street, 13th Floor · New York, NY 10019 · USA

FHS' Rudolph, Brown, and Woelfel perform well at Senior Gymnastics Nationals; help MA take 1st place

Congrats to team MA, 1st place at senior nationals! Congrats to Kate who placed in 3 events in individuals and was 10th AA!  

So proud of @_katerudolph @_lizziebrown_   @carolinewoelfel   @FHSSports  @BuzzMyfm  @FranklinMatters  @KatCornetta  

@BostonHeraldHS

@MetroWestSports

@FranklinHS

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1528055452600356864

FHS' Rudolph, Brown, and Woelfel perform well at Senior Gymnastics Nationals

FHS' Rudolph, Brown, and Woelfel help MA take 1st place at Senior Gymnastics Nationals

FHS girls take 1st in Hockomock Track Championships, team results

HockomockSports.com has the results of the Track & Field Championships held on Saturday and reported here yesterday.

GIRLS TEAM RESULTS
1. Franklin – 131
2. Mansfield – 123
3. Oliver Ames – 82
4. Milford – 48
T5. King Philip – 46
T5. Sharon – 46
7. Canton – 44
8. Stoughton – 39.50
9. North Attleboro – 38
10. Taunton – 37
11. Attleboro – 18
12. Foxboro – 10.50

BOYS TEAM RESULTS
1. Mansfield – 108
2. North Attleboro – 99
3. Oliver Ames – 79
4. Stoughton – 71
5. King Philip – 68
6. Attleboro – 59
7. Milford – 55
8. Franklin – 50
9. Taunton – 38
10. Foxboro – 21
11. Canton – 10
12. Sharon – 5

For the top eight by event follow this link ->

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-league-outdoor-track-championships-2022/

For a photo gallery of the meet follow this link ->
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2021-2022/Spring-2022/2022-Hockomock-League-Outdoor-Track-Championships-05-21-22/

 

unidentified FHS runner competing in the high hurdles

Register O'Donnell Promotes Massachusetts Homestead Act

Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today reminded Norfolk County homeowners about the importance of filing for Homestead protection. 

O’Donnell noted, “If you own a home, and it is your primary residence, you have an automatic homestead exemption of $125,000. However, if you file a Declaration of Homestead at the Registry of Deeds, the exemption increases to $500,000. The Homestead law provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000 if they have filed. This is especially important when you consider that for most of us, a home is our most valuable asset.  Consumers should take steps to protect that asset.” 

Another feature of the Homestead law is the allowance for the filing of an Elderly Homestead Declaration, which defines an elder as a person who is 62 years of age or older and provides protection of $500,000 for each qualified person.

The Register further noted, “Back in March of 2011, the Homestead law was updated so that a valid Homestead cannot be terminated when refinancing a mortgage. Other changes that took place back in 2011 state that a Homestead can provide protections for a primary home even if it is held in a trust. The definition of a primary residence was also expanded to include a manufactured or mobile home.” 

While the Homestead statute provides important protections for homeowners, it is important to note there are certain debts that are exempted from protection under the Homestead Act. These include federal, state and local tax liens, as well as mortgages contracted for the purchase of a primary home and nursing home liens. Most other mortgages, debts, and encumbrances existing prior to the filing of the Declaration of Homestead, along with probate court executions for spousal and child support, are also not covered under the Homestead protection statute. 

Declarations of Homestead are recorded at the Registry of Deeds for a state imposed fee of $36.00. Additional information about the Homestead law, and the forms are available at no cost by going to the Registry’s website at www.norfolkdeeds.org.  

Register O’Donnell concluded, “I want to reiterate that a Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. While the debt is still owed, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that with a Homestead recorded at the Registry of Deeds, their primary residence cannot be forcibly sold to satisfy most debts. If you have any questions about a Homestead, please contact our Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30AM-4:30PM. Our trained staff are more than willing to answer any questions you may have.”

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 Promotes Massachusetts Homestead Act

FHS newsletter for week of May 23, 2022

The newsletter for Franklin High School for the week of May 23, 2022   

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFAObrh-_w/J0K1k8dlpB9NI0QvYOXiTw/view#1

FHS newsletter for week of May 23, 2022

Franklin Resident Alert - active shooter training scheduled for Mon/Tues 5/23 - 5/24

The Franklin Police Department will be conducting our annual active shooter training on Monday 5/23 and Tuesday 5/24 from 9 AM to 1 PM at the old Charter School located on the corner of Main Street and Pleasant Street.

There will be a heavy police presence both days in the area. Signs, barrels, and other markers will be in the area as a reminder. 

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1528387410215804928 

active shooter training scheduled for Mon/Tues 5/23 - 5/24

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, May 23, 2022

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

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Todd Monjur
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – with Dr. Michael Walker-Jones,
Representative Jeff Roy and Dr. Natalia Linos

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

7:29:00 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19

8:00:00 am SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

9:00 am Concerts on the Common: Jamie Barrett & Electric Youth

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm Sandya: Pasta

1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Grillin'

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 2

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8

5:30 pm Senior Connection: Sleep

7:30 pm Frank's Musings: Return To Ukraine

8:30 pm FPAC: Broadway in Franklin 2022

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Elementary Music Pt. 3 06-04-18

8:30 am FHS Varsity Softball: v Attleboro 05-09-22

10:30 am Public School Concert: FHS Concert Night 2019

1:30 pm Battleship Cove: Preserving the Fleet

2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Danny Lagarce

5:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Notre Dame Hingham 05-18-22

8:30 pm ArtWeek: FHS Jazz & Kenny Hadley Band

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

8:00 am Planning Board: 05-09-22

11:00 am Economic Development: 05-04-22

12:00 pm Finance Committee: 05-11-22

2:00 pm Planning Board: 05-09-22

7:00 pm Planning Board: LIVE, Chambers, 891 0613 8080

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)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Budget hearing #1 - May 25, 2022

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 25, 2022 - 7:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

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.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three 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. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. FY23 Town Council Annual Operating Budget Hearing

i. FY23 Voting Document   (https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/voting_document_fincom_level_fy23.pdf)

• FY23 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1)

• Appendix A1 - Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book (per Town Charter prevision 6-5-1 & 6-5-2)

• Appendix B1 - Franklin School Committee Recommended FY23 Budget Executive Summary

• Appendix C1 - Historic Data: Budget Breakdown

• Appendix C2 - Historic Data: Operating Revenue

• Appendix C3 - Historic Data: Fixed Cost

• Appendix C4 - Historic Data: Local Aid

• Appendix C5 - Historic Data: Local Receipts

• Appendix C6 - Historic Data: Assessments

• Appendix C7 - Historic Data: New Growth

• Appendix C8 - Historic Data: Free Cash Balances

• Appendix C9 - Historic Data: FC & RE

• Appendix D1 - Stormwater Brochure and Summary

• Appendix D2 - DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi Stormwater Ad-Hoc Committee presentation

• Appendix E - COVID-19 Federal Stimulus Update

4. ADJOURN

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

The agenda document and remote connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_budget_hearing_1_-_may_25_2022.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Budget hearing #1 - May 25, 2022

Memorial Day - Parade starts at 10:30, ceremony at Town Common at noon

Join us for the annual Memorial Day Parade to honor those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

A ceremony will follow on the Town Common at Noon. All are welcome!

Parade route map:

Parade route map

 

Memorial Day - Parade starts at 10:30, ceremony at Town Common at noon

Shared from the Town of Franklin pages

https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/memorial-day-parade

https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/memorial-day-parade-route-0

Capital Budget Subcommittee - Agenda - May 25, 2022 - 5:30 PM

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 25, 2022 - 5:30 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street

Discussion:
1. FY22 Capital Plan Round 2  

a. Proposed Town Administrator FY22 Capital Plan Round 2 & Final Recommendations to move to the full Town Council  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022-05-25_capital_round_2_memo.pdf

The agenda and remote access information can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda_may_25_2022.pdf

Capital Budget Subcommittee - Agenda - May 25, 2022 - 5:30 PM