Catching up with Franklin's Health Director Cathleen Liberty (audio)

FM #1279 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1279 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty  September 4, 2024. We had our conversation via the Zoom conference bridge.

The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1279-franklin-ma-health-director-cathleen-liberty-09-04-24/

--------------

Health Dept page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Metacomet Health page -> https://www.metacometpha.org/

Health Dept Homeless Resource page -> 

https://sites.google.com/view/homeless-resources-services/home 

Sign up for Health alerts via Regroup -> https://franklintown.regroup.com/signup 

The Topic podcast ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/topic-podcast-links 

--------------

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 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!

------------------

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

Healthcare Resources & Services

FHS volleyball and field hockey teams both top Taunton on Thursday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, September 12, 2024

FHS Varsity Field Hockey

Volleyball = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

– Franklin put on a dominant showing at home, cruising to a 3-0 (25-11, 25-5, 25-10) win over a young Taunton squad. Franklin freshman Emerson Delleo was on point at the net, landing 11 kills on a 0.667 hitting percentage while classmate Charlotte Yuelenski was also very effective, hitting at a 0.800 clip with four kills. Brooke Daniels (15 assists) and Olivia Caruso (nine assists) set the offense up for the Panthers.

Field Hockey = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 8 – Final

– After scoring just once through the first 15 minutes of the game, Franklin erupted for four goals in the second quarter and never looked back in a big win over Taunton. Raena Crandall’s goal midway through the first off of an assist from Caydence Canavan had the Panthers ahead 1-0 after a quarter of action. In the second, Crandall scored back-to-back unassisted goals two minutes apart, and then Ella Marzullo (from Jossie Camp) and Addi Weiss (from Marzullo) tallied with under two minutes left in the half to make it 5-0. Crandall got her fourth in the third quarter while Maddie O’Brien (from Haley Wernig) and Marzullo scored fourth quarter goals.

"Good Team Win Today for FHS Varsity Field Hockey vs Taunton!! Keep working hard… Great job Ladies!! " 

https://x.com/FHS_FH_02038/status/1834404246369800225

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-12-24/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

A study of five states’ food waste bans found that most were ineffective. - The Washington Post

"Nearly every state-led effort to ban food waste analyzed by researchers appears to be failing — except one, according to a new study.

The study, published Thursday in the journal Science, singled out Massachusetts for reducing the amount of food that gets tossed in the trash. But its more troubling findings in other states reveal how one of the most seemingly straightforward ways to tackle climate change is, in practice, a tough problem to solve.

Food waste is a pressing national problem. Of the millions of tons of food in the United States, more than 30 percent goes unsold and uneaten, according to ReFed, a research and advocacy group that works on food waste. Spoiled food makes up the single largest volume of material sent to landfills and incinerators, where it decomposes, releasing methane — a powerful greenhouse gas that is heating the planet. A study by the Environmental Protection Agency found emissions from food waste in the United States are roughly equal to more than 50 million cars on the road."

Continue reading the article online -> (via gift link)  https://wapo.st/3XpqFZP

The study referenced -> https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn4216

The article is timely in that the Hunger Action Month event Thursday evening featured Spoonfuls.org, a key player in the MA food recovery process. If you missed the event, you can get a taste of the topic  in the audio recording made with Liz Miller, Community Coordinator, of Spoonfuls, and Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. The Pantry receives 2 deliveries a week of 1,000 pounds of fresh food on each delivery from Spoonfuls.

Listen here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/listen-to-tina-liz-talk-about-how-food.html

A study of five states’ food waste bans found that most were ineffective. - The Washington Post

Lt. Gov Driscoll joins State Rep. Roy to Kick off 2024 Re-Election Campaign

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) kicked off his 2024 re-election campaign at La Cantina Winery in Franklin with Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll as one of his featured speakers. She was joined by House Ways & Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham), Town Councilor Robert Dellorco, SAFE Coalition CEO Jen Levine, and Campaign Chair Mike Doherty, who each offered remarks in support of Rep. Roy. Over 150 people attended the event, including 22 legislative colleagues who came from all parts of Massachusetts to support their colleague.

(L-R) Roy, Driscoll, Michlewitz

Roy is seeking re-election for a seventh term in the 10th Norfolk District which includes all of Franklin and precincts 2, 3 and 4 in Medway.

Roy currently serves as Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy and is the House’s lead negotiator on climate and energy legislation. He previously served as Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education and as Acting Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Finance. He also serves as House Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus which promotes and encourages “Making It” in Massachusetts. The caucus will be hosting its annual manufacturing award ceremony at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, September 25.  

"I have enjoyed serving the residents of Franklin and Medway and would be honored to serve another term," noted Roy.  "We have made great progress in the areas of education, climate, economic development, health care and veterans affairs, and I want to build on that success. In addition, we have addressed the challenges of substance use disorder, the social equity, and criminal justice, and I look forward to continuing the work in these areas. I am humbled by the outpouring of support I have received from my friends and colleagues and have enjoyed the opportunity to be the voice of Franklin and Medway on Beacon Hill. If re-elected, I will continue to be a fierce advocate for our communities.”  

Re-Election Campaign Kick-off for 2024

In this recently released video (https://youtu.be/KwM1vJjcvjA), Rep. Roy makes the case for re-election and talks about what it takes to be an effective legislator. He also talks about his contributions to the community, legislation he has championed, and the role of an elected official in state government.

Roy is the father three children, all of whom were educated in the Franklin Public Schools. He is a 1986 cum laude graduate of Boston College Law School in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He received his undergraduate degree from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine in 1983, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Bates Student newspaper. He is also a 22-year rider in the annual Pan Mass Challenge event which raises money for the Jimmy Fund.

For more information on Roy and the campaign, please visit www.jeffreyroy.com

Franklin School Committee spends 85 minutes in Executive session, hears District Improvement Plan and approves (audio)

FM #1278 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1278 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024. 7 members participated, 6 in chambers, 1 was remote (Gallagher).

Quick recap:

• The meeting had an Executive Session to review a grievance and discuss negotiation strategy. While it was anticipated to be short, the session did extend 85 minutes before the meeting resumed in public session. (Note: the executive session 85 minutes of nothing was removed from the audio and replaced with a brief musical piece to indicate the transition)

• The District Improvement Plan was presented and approved (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)

• Redistricting update - proposed district alignment scheduled to be shared via a "Storymap" before the next meeting and then explained fully during the Sep 28 meeting with a vote to approve the alignment of the new schools scheduled for the first October meeting. Email and multiple methods of communication to share the storymap

• The appointment of Rose Turco to represent the Schools to the Franklin TV Board of Directors was approved (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)

• Hiring update filled 57 positions, 4 teacher vacancies, 8 additional resignations (since the August 27 meeting). Mostly from building subs and ESPs. Not usual to have this many early in the school year. Instability of budget is a factor in the leaving and hiring process

• Consent agenda was approved  (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)

The recording runs about 1 hour & 45 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1278-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-10-24/

--------------

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQzZjD3f45k    Note: the SchCmte enters Executive Session at about 17:50 and return to open session at 1:42:00

The agenda doc ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4809590/SCAGENDA_9-10-24.pdf 

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/september-10%2C-2024-meeting-packet/701015 

The photo album capturing the slides shared can be found ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/FcT4bkT37XE4sqK28 

My notes captured in one PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BKsnE9XEkWJGWXtfDt2V_fNS-FOe84jd/view?usp=drive_link 

-------------

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 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!

------------------

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

FYI - Franklin residents & businesses "Discover Dean Day" set for October 5

Discover Dean Day set for October 5 

Yes, this will bring lots of visitors (potential students & families) to check out the Dean Campus and life here in Franklin.

Dean College (@DeanCollege) posted

"Join us for Discover Dean Day on Saturday, October 5! 

This open house will give you the opportunity to tour campus and learn about the admissions process, academic programs, student life, athletics and more! 

Visit https://t.co/Xx7yfNHX3n to learn more and register🐾 "

Shared from -> https://x.com/DeanCollege/status/1833537246907273273

EEE news: Cases are adding up to a 'worse year' in Mass.

"Massachusetts is on track for a bad year of EEE. This week, state public health officials announced a fourth case of eastern equine encephalitis, the most since 2020, and outbreaks are occurring more often. The latest case, the second in Middlesex County, was diagnosed in a man in his 50s. State officials designated four towns at “critical risk” and took the unusual step of advising residents to cancel or reschedule outdoor gatherings and organized sporting events to avoid peak mosquito hours. An additional 12 towns are at “high risk.”

.... 

Four towns in Worcester County have been deemed at critical risk: Oxford, Webster, Douglas, and Sutton, while the neighboring towns of Uxbridge, Northbridge, and Dudley are at high risk. Other towns where the risk is high include Plymouth, Carver, and Middleborough in Plymouth County, and Carlyle, Acton, Boxborough, Ayer, and Littleton in Middlesex County. 

.... 

Here’s what you need to know."

Continue reading the article (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/09/12/metro/eee-fatality-rate-symptoms-mosquitoes-middlesex/

EEE news: Cases are adding up to a 'worse year' in Mass

Local Car Show and Vendor Fair at BFCCPS - Oct 13

Jacob Sachs will be hosting a Car Show and Vendor Fair at BFCCPS! 

$2 per spectator and $5 per car 

Local Car Show and Vendor Fair

Bring your antique car, exotic car, supped up car to show your friends and family! Also if you have a craft or item to sell please buy a vendor spot and come show us what you have! 

Vendor spots are open to Capstone Students at no charge and other vendors at $5 per booth. (Please reach out to amanda.r.sachs@gmail.com for a spot) 

When:  October 13 from 1 PM - 3 PM

Where: Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public Schools

Shared from -> https://bfccps.org/apps/events/event.jsp?eREC_ID=4469825&d=2024-10-13&id=4

Town of Franklin: Request for Qualifications - OPM for Fisher Street Water Treatment Plant Upgrades

Request for Qualifications - OPM for Fisher Street Water Treatment Plant Upgrades

In accordance with Chapter 149, Section 44A1/2 of the Massachusetts General Laws, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of an Owner's Project Manager (OPM) for the Fisher Street Water Treatment Plant Upgrades project.

Additional Information:  RFQ for OPM for the Fisher Street Water Treatment Plant Upgrades

shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-qualifications-opm-fisher-street-water-treatment-plant-upgrades

Franklin DPW building , 257 Fisher St

2024 Milford 5K Benefitting Mass Special Olympics Programs: Saturday, September 21

1 Week Until Race Day!! The Annual Milford 5K September 21st 2024 Runner/ Walker: $20.00 ($25.00 for day of race registration on site) Kid's Dash: $10.00 Location: Milford High School at 31 Fountain St. Race will start at end at the entrance to the gymnasium (located at the back of the school) ​ Registration - 8:00am (Day of Registration Fee is $25) Fun Run - 8:30am Race - 9:00am Awards - 10:15am Awards presented to top Male and Female finishers in 7 divisions: Under 19, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ Course Route Start at back parking lot of High School (near gym entrance). Out front driveway, right onto West Fountain Street, left onto Congress Street, left onto North Vine Street, left onto Highland Street, left onto West Fountain Street and right into the first entrance of the high school, then left into road leading to gymnasium entrance. Register at the link below;  Proceeds from race benefit Massachusetts Special Olympics Milford 5K Registration Link

Tri-Valley Front Runners
PO Box 125, Milford,MA, 01757United States

 

2024 Milford 5K Benefitting Mass Special Olympics Programs: Saturday, September 21

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Sep 13, 2024

• 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 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:00 am     Vera Meyer: Glass Harmonica

8:30 am     Frank Presents: Jacob Juncker

10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Katherine Kennedy

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

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Quinoa

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Crescent Rolls

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

4:00 pm Paris Olympics: Kristi Kirshe

5:30 pm     Veterans' Call: Robert Pierson

8:30 pm Endless Konnections: Kanaya Ryland

9:30 pm     4th of July 2024: Neon Lighthouse

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel           (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am     Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

8:30 am     Mental Health: Elizabeth Hagy

9:30 am     Lifelong Music: Strings School 2022

11:00 am Track and Field: v King Philip 05-04-22

1:30 pm     All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra

3:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Lincoln-Sudbury 09-26-23

9:30 pm     FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 09-05-24

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 09-05-24

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, September 12, 2024?

Thursday, September 12

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

7:00pm Karaoke Night (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm premiere of Episode 1 of The Boatbuilders (Newport, RI)

7:00pm Spoonfuls .. Wasted Food, Hunger, and the Climate Emergency: How Food Recovery Helps (First Universalist Society of Franklin, FUSF)

9:00pm Brian Cabral (live music) (3 Restaurant)

**  Town Meetings today   **

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School agenda

Event Date:  Thursday, September 12, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/bot_agenda_09122024.docx.pdf

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting - CANCELED

Event Date:  Thursday, September 12, 2024 - 7:30pm

What's happening today in Franklin? 

---------------

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars