Franklin Matters

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Franklin Public Library Closure for coronavirus (COVID-19)

Franklin Public Library Closure

Due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, the Franklin Public Library will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice.

The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to operate business via online services and will be available by phone during modified business hours at 508-520-4941. Modified business hours will be 9AM to 5PM Monday through Saturday where staff will be available by phone.

All programs at the Library, including the Book Sale, are cancelled for this duration. Any late fines will be waived through at least March 27th. Items that are checked out will have their due date extended to April 30th.

The Library's book return will remain open twenty-four hours a day. No book or media donations will be accepted until further notice.

If you currently have items on the holdshelf, the Library will offer "curbside pickup".

Please drive to the Library parking lot or 5 minute parking spots, call the Library with your name and Library card number ready, and a staff person will check out your items and bring them to your car. This service is available during the modified business hours of Monday through Saturday, 9AM to 5PM.

Franklin Public Library Closure for coronavirus (COVID-19)

Franklin Public Schools: School Closure Update - Notification and Information

March 13, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

This letter serves as a follow up to the Town of Franklin Coronavirus Update Letter shared earlier today. Franklin Public Schools, beginning today, Friday, March 13, 2020, are closed for two weeks (through March 27, 2020), planning to resume operations March 30th. We will have to make up 5 days for the year. Our last day of school is now planned for June 24, 2020.

The purpose of this closure is preventative and is to provide social distancing within the school community, as this practice has been promoted as a way to curb the spread of the virus. It is not a direct reaction to a specific situation or individual; the Board of Health reports there are no confirmed cases impacting us at this time.

School events are also cancelled and may be postponed. This includes the Leap into Kindergarten (3/17), Incoming 9th Grade Special Education Transition Night (3/18), and Parent/Guardian Homework Information Evening (3/18). MCAS testing at FHS for sophomores will be postponed (3/24 and 3/25). The School Committee meeting/budget hearing is scheduled to continue (3/24).

We know that school plays an important role in the daily life of children. The routine of school, in particular, is a comfort during times of stress. We are keenly aware of this and have been actively planning to support both families and students and to maintain some structure and connection.

This includes:
● Developmentally appropriate resources for the continuity of learning and “keeping the learning alive”
● Continuation of breakfast and lunch for Franklin children
● Counseling supports
● Rescheduled dates of selected activities and events (e.g. SATs, MCAS, parent/guardian information evenings)

We will address the details of these and other matters in future communications.

We anticipate that your child may need items left at school such as instruments, books, Chromebooks, and personal items. Your child’s school will soon communicate specific days and times.

This is an anxiety-producing time for all. The following resources may assist you in answering questions and facilitating conversations with your children:

How to Talk to Children about the Coronavirus

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-talk-to-children-about-the-coronavirus-2020030719111

Talking to Kids about Covid-19

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-%28coronavirus%29-a-parent-resource

Talking to Teen/Tweens about Coronavirus

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/02/well/family/coronavirus-teenagers-anxiety.html

Coronavirus: Latest Updates and Tips

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/coronavirus-latest-updates?utm_source=Understood+for+All&utm_campaign=87b667c2b5-02192020_familiesNL_highengagement_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_45fc52ce3d-87b667c2b5-337092907

We know there are many remaining questions. We aim to address these in the coming days and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this unchartered territory together as a community.

Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: School Closure Update - Notification and Information

The School message is also delivered in multiple languages
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus

THE BLACK BOX: Legally Blonde Performances Postponed

To the FPAC Community and patrons of THE BLACK BOX,

Due to the evolving situation with the Coronavirus outbreak, the Franklin Performing Arts Company will postpone our production of Legally Blonde scheduled this weekend and next. We look forward to presenting the show for six performances this spring and tickets purchased in advance will be honored at that time. The box office will communicate first with current ticket holders when our new dates are announced.

A production the magnitude of Legally Blonde – with New York guest artist contracts, William Berloni's Theatrical Animals, original Broadway choreography and professional orchestra, as well as the expenses of sets, props and costumes, rights, royalties and creative team, is an enormous financial undertaking. We are facing a frightening burden with the theater closed even for a short period of time.

This would be a great time to help our company and show your support for THE BLACK BOX with a one-time donation or membership in an FPAC Annual Circle. We need your help now in order to be in a healthy position to reopen when safe to do so. You might also consider donating to FPAC your current Legally Blonde ticket purchases and then repurchase when the box office opens for our new dates.

The FPAC Board of Directors, Creatives, and Artists realize how the arts provide an important opportunity to gather, share, and be inspired in challenging times. We look forward to seeing you at THE BLACK BOX as soon as it is possible! We thank you for your understanding and hope for your support.

Support page for FPAC
https://www.fpaconline.com/pages.php?pname=fpac_support_us

THE BLACK BOX: Legally Blonde Performances Postponed

Hockomock YMCA: Health Preparedness Update (COVID-19)

MEMBER UPDATE

HEALTH PREPAREDNESS AT OUR Y

Dear Franklin,

As a follow-up to our communication on Wednesday, our YMCA continues to closely monitor the current public health updates regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

The CDC and our local boards of health continue to advise businesses and institutions that taking steps to slow the spread of the Coronavirus will contribute to the public health response to the outbreak.

Updates:

We are promoting social distancing: Following the strong recommendations from the CDC and state and local agencies we are putting social distancing protocols in place in our fitness centers with select fitness equipment.
Limited group exercise attendance: Group fitness classes will be limited to 20 per class. Group cycle classes will be limited to 10 per class. You may reserve your spot in class 24 hours in advance by calling your branch's Member Service Desk.
Our Prescription for a Healthy Lifestyle programs such as LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, MS Wellness and Diabetes Prevention Program will be postponed until further notice.
Pool or party rental reservations will be suspended until further notice.
All Y events with 100 people or more will be cancelled or re-scheduled until further notice.
Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting continues to be our focus every day to protect the health and safety of our community.
Program and classes are running as scheduled. This is a fast-moving situation and one that we continue to assess daily. We pledge to share information with members and staff as information and decisions are made.
Facility signage has increased throughout our facilities and program areas, encouraging people to wash hands, clean equipment and not enter our facilities if experiencing respiratory or flu like symptoms.
Branch access is limited: Until further notice no guest passes will be sold.

For further information, we encourage you to visit the following websites:

Center for Disease Control & Prevention

Mass.gov State Information

YMCA Health Preparedness

We continue to monitor this rapidly evolving health crisis and will continue to update you as more information, resources or guidance becomes available.

We appreciate everyone's support as we strive to protect the health & safety of our YMCA community and work together in the days ahead.

Sincerely,

Ed Hurley
President
HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA
ed@hockymca.org
508-643-5230
hockymca.org

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA | Foxboro, Franklin, North Attleboro, Mansfield, MA

Tom Paxton Concert Cancellation & COVID-19 Update

TOM PAXTON CONCERT CANCELLATION & COVID-19 UPDATE

For the health and safety of our audience, performers and volunteers, the scheduled performance by Tom Paxton and The Don Juans on Friday, March 20 has been cancelled. We and the performers share the concerns that many of you have in this very uncertain time, and we are taking all reasonable precautions to help stem the tide of this virus. We regret having to make this decision, but the health and safety of all of you, our supporters, takes precedence over all other considerations. Ticket refunds will be issued today or tomorrow for all tickets already purchased.

It is likely that Tom Paxton & The Don Juans will be rescheduled for this coming September. We will let everyone know as soon as a decision is made.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic is still unfolding, we can't predict what will happen with other future concerts. We very much appreciate your support of our concert series, and will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed of any future changes. We wish everyone good health.

OTHER SHOWS IN THE 2019-2020 SEASON

AT OCC COFFEEHOUSE: Tickets are now available for all shows on the website. All shows are general admission seating, so arrive early for good seats.

** Saturday, April 25, 2020, Aztec Two-Step 2.0, featuring Rex Fowler, Dodie Pettit & Friends. Now that Neal Shulman has retired, Rex continues on, recapturing the sound of the duo's original studio recordings.

** Sunday, May 24, 2020, Ted Vigil, John Denver Tribute. Ted is an award-winning singer, songwriter and tribute artist. He performs internationally, and wows the crowd, selling out theatres everywhere. A typical comment is "I can't believe how much he looks and sounds like John Dever."

Tom Paxton Concert Cancellation & COVID-19 Update

"doing their best to make Franklin a place worth living"

Alan Earls writes about Tom McDermott of of the former Clark, Cutler, & McDermott company.

"Last summer, a long-time Franklin resident Tom McDermott, passed away.

Aside from an obituary posted online and in the newspaper, there was scarcely a stir. But there should have been.

For more than a century, Tom and his family – his grandfather, father and his sons – ran Clark, Cutler & McDermott in Franklin in the gritty and unglamorous non-woven (e.g. felt) textile industry. From the company’s first products back in 1911 -- horse blankets -- to the recent past when sudden business reversals led the company to seek bankruptcy protection, and when its products had become part of a global supply chain in the automotive industry, the company was innovative and feisty. It survived and prospered despite global competition, the high cost of doing business in Massachusetts, and changing markets.

Above all, though, CCMcD was all about Franklin."

Continue reading the article online
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200313/guest-speaker-paying-tribute-to-tom-mcdermott

"proposed new zone called Mixed Business Innovation (MBI)"

Coronavirus Information Portal - multiple updates

Letter from Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern regarding Coronavirus
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/files/memo-ta-superintendent

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

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

The Town of Franklin will be cleaning and sanitizing all public buildings every weekend. There are many things you can do to prevent the transmission of COVID - 19 and other of viruses. Please follow the tips found here:

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