Franklin Matters

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

FTC Consumer Alerts: Now more than ever, spot the scams with #FTCScamBingo

Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

Now more than ever, spot the scams with #FTCScamBingo

by Jennifer Leach Associate Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

During the Coronavirus outbreak, many people are working from home — and maybe even, for the first time in a long time, answering calls from unfamiliar phone numbers. It might be your colleague's cell phone…or it might be a robocaller or scammer.

So here's a way you can spot some of those scam calls you might be getting. And it's a way to spread the word to help protect others in your community.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/now-more-ever-spot-scams-ftcscambingo

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/?utm_source=govdelivery

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

FM #228 Superintendent Sara Ahern with Coronavirus Updates 3/22/20

FM #228 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 228 in the series.

This session of the radio show was recorded virtually. Superintendent Sara Ahern and I connected to have this conversation via a conference bridge and recording came out very well as we practiced this new ‘social distance’.

Sara provided some key updates on

The rationale behind the decision to close Franklin schools
Support services still being provided while closed
Meals via the ‘grab and go’ at FHS Monday-Friday from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Teachers reaching out to check in with their students
To “keep learning alive”, exploring distance learning and new resources
William James Interface Referral Service (available to all of Franklin)
Updates made available regularly and in multiple languages

The audio segment runs about 25 minutes, so please listen in to my conversation with School Superintendent Sara Ahern. Audio file =>
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HBlPRL2X

Link to the Superintendents’ messages in multiple languages
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus

The link to the main Franklin Public schools (FPS) page https://www.franklinps.net/

FPS Learning Resources page https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fpscommunitylearningresource/home (be sure to explore the links available in the top right corner of this page!)

FPS Coronavirus information portal
https://www.franklinps.net/district/urgent-alerts/updates-fps-covid-19-closure-information-portal

Important Quick Contacts Guide
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/quick_contact_list_1.pdf

The Town of Franklin Coronavirus Information Portal https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

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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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Important Quick Contacts Guide

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 25, 2020 (virtual meeting)

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 25, 2020

Remote Meeting - Held on “ZOOM” platform 7:00 PM

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.

Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 622 448 244
Link to access meeting: https://zoom.us/j/622448244

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five 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. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 20-18: Update to the 2020 Town Council Meeting Schedule (Motion to approve Resolution 20-18, Majority Vote)

4. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
a. Coronavirus Update & Discussion

5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

6. COUNCIL COMMENTS

7. ADJOURN

The full agenda doc and associated memo on council meeting schedule can be found online:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/_2020-03-25_town_council_agenda.pdf

Gov Baker's Executive Order on Remote Participation:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/gov._charlie_bakers_executive_order_on_remote_participation.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 25, 2020 (virtual meeting)

Franklin Public Schools: District Update on Coronavirus and School Closure - March 23, 2020

March 23, 2020

[Translated versions of this message will be posted to our Webpage on March 24, 2020]

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff

We recognize that this is a very difficult time in all of our lives. We are concerned about the health and well-being of our students, our families, and our community in light of the novel Coronavirus. We are also adjusting to a dramatic change in our daily lives in an effort to curb its spread. The measures we are taking, including the dramatic act of closing schools and businesses, for social distancing will only have the intended effect if they are followed diligently. We urge all families in Franklin to stay at home and limit unnecessary travel and activities.

As mentioned in the Friday message from our schools, we are here to support each other. At the end of this memo, I share a resource for families that you might find helpful in thinking about and providing for your own "self-care", and that of your family, during this difficult time.

Stay At Home Advisory

Governor Baker, earlier today, issued an Executive Order that all non-essential businesses will close as of noon Tuesday, March 24, and for the MDPH to issue a stay-at-home advisory for two weeks (until April 7). Residents are advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary activities during this two-week time period. The Baker-Polito Administration Order also limits gatherings to 10 people during the state of emergency, a reduction from the 25 person limit established in an earlier order. More information can be found on the www.mass.gov website:

https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-charlie-baker-orders-all-non-essential-businesses-to-cease-in-person-operation

Closure of Schools AND School Grounds

This serves as a reminder that our schools and grounds are closed and off-limits until April 7 in an effort to emphasize that we need to limit locations for people to congregate in order to protect the well-being of our community through social distancing. Police will be monitoring the buildings and grounds.

First Case Reported in Franklin

The Board of Health issued a memo over the weekend to share the news that the Town of Franklin has its first confirmed case of Coronavirus. We have no additional information to share but provide you with this link to the release:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/2020-03-22_coronavirus_pos_case_release_1.pdf

Food Service and Weekend Backpacks

Our Food Service Department is providing breakfast and lunch in a "Grab and Go" fashion in the loop behind Franklin High School. We have expanded our hours from 11 AM to 1 PM. These meals are available to any child in Franklin who needs breakfast or lunch, not solely those who have qualified for Federal free and reduced lunch. We would like to assure our families that we are not at risk of running out of food. If transportation is a concern for you, please e-mail Director of Student Services, Paula Marano (maranop@franklinps.net) so that we can coordinate a drop-off.

The Franklin Food Pantry, in collaboration with FPS, provides Weekend Backpacks during the school year to families who are food insecure. We will continue to distribute backpacks on Fridays, using the same pick up area as the lunch/breakfast program. If you would like a backpack, please e-mail Director of Student Services, Paula Marano (maranop@franklinps.net). If transportation is a concern for you, please let us know to arrange for delivery.

Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination

We want to take this moment to remind our school community of our core values of Social- Emotional Development, Safe and Inclusive School Culture, High Expectations for Student Success, and a Collaborative Community. In all that we do, we seek to align our behavior to each one of these values.

Unfortunately, something like the Coronavirus crisis can lead to hateful, biased, and discriminatory actions based on stereotypes, race, and country of origin. While we are not aware of any specific incident in Franklin, we are sensitive to and aware of the possibility. We share the following resources with faculty/staff and families in order to broaden the awareness:

https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/speaking-up-against-racism-around-the-new-coronavirus

https://www.adl.org/blog/the-coronavirus-surfaces-fear-stereotypes-and-scapegoating

Enrichment Opportunities and Home Resources

The Franklin Public Schools is currently engaging in providing social-emotional support and connections where educators across the district are engaging with students in a virtual environment. Additionally, in alignment with current state guidance on learning experiences, FPS educators are providing enrichment and extension opportunities to "Keep the Learning Alive". We are remaining informed of both state and federal guidance. We anticipate receiving further guidance from DESE this week, which will help inform future actions. In the meantime, the following district-based resources can be a support for you and your family:

FPS Learning (https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fpscommunitylearningresource/home)
DESE Educational Resources (http://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/ed-resources.html)
WGBH Distance Learning Center (https://www.wgbh.org/distance-learning-center)
William James Project Interface - A counseling referral service that is available to any Franklin resident, including school children and families (https://interface.williamjames.edu/community/franklin)

MCAS Testing

DESE has officially postponed the Grade 10 English language arts assessment and has shifted the testing window for Grades 3-8 ELA assessment window, originally scheduled to open March 30. MCAS-Alt portfolios are not due April 3. More decisions may be forthcoming from DESE about the MCAS assessments, but these require legislative relief. We will continue to keep you informed.

A Resource to Help Parents/Families

The following link will bring you to a resource from Maria Trozzi, educator, author and consultant, on talking to kids about Coronavirus and ways in which to care for them and yourself:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nhea2pFrLbmZKEvyIMKKqnDotWZoUW6d/view?usp=sharing

For More Information on Matters Related to Coronavirus

We have reorganized our webpage so that you can more easily find our Coronavirus resources:

https://www.franklinps.net/district/urgent-alerts/updates-fps-covid-19-closure-information-portal

Sincerely,

Sara E. Ahern

Superintendent of Schools

A PDF version of this can be downloaded here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fT4Y8-pPloaB447wVyXeIdmRjyJluAq6/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Public Schools: District Update on Coronavirus and School Closure - March 23, 2020

FHS' Colace, Pisano, Lewandowski, Dwyer, Tasker, K Hedvig, C Hedvig recognized as Hockomock League hockey all stars

The Franklin High School selections for the Hockomock League hockey all stars are shared here.

*** Below are the official 2020 Hockomock League Girls Hockey All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP
Makenzie Shandley, King Philip

Hockomock League All Stars
Gabby Colace, Franklin
Tina Pisano, Franklin
Amanda Lewandowski, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Jordan Dwyer, Franklin

*** Below are the official 2020 Hockomock League Boys Hockey All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP
Johnny Hagan, Canton

Hockomock League All Stars
Tom Tasker, Franklin
Kyle Hedvig, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Colin Hedvig, Franklin

For the complete girls listing
https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-girls-hockey-all-stars/

For the complete boys listing
https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-boys-hockey-all-stars/

FHS' Colace, Pisano, Lewandowski, Dwyer, Tasker, K Hedvig, C Hedvig recognized as Hockomock League hockey all stars

Franklin Food Pantry: Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Update March 23

Thank you to all our community members for your continued support of The Franklin Food Pantry. We continue to have requests about how to support The Pantry. The best way to support The Pantry is to make a monetary donation online so that we can purchase the items we need to serve our neighbors.

We communicate regularly with our town officials and local police force to continue to ensure our neighbors' safety and to share Pantry updates with them.

The Franklin Food Pantry remains open to ALL who need us. If you are new to us and haven't used us before or in awhile please reach out to Executive Director, Lynn Calling or 508-528-3115 and she will help you.

We have made some changes to how we serve our neighbors. These changes are listed below:

As of March 31, Franklin Food Pantry will ONLY be open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM AND 1:30-4:00 PM
Drive Up format - Stay in your car. We will bring bags to you
If you are walking, there will be a sign directing you where to go
NO Bread and Produce Hours
Bags are prepackaged - sorry - no substitutions
Bag contents will vary week to week, but will include shelf stable items, frozen proteins and vegetables. Dairy and fresh produce as available
For families with children under 18, we will have additional bags for children
You can come one time per week; all scheduled appointments are currently suspended
Every person will receive the exact same items whether you come at 9:30 AM or 4:00 PM
Do not form a line on West Central Street. If you can't fit into the parking lot, drive around the block. We will keep the line moving
If you are sick, please stay home
We will offer limited delivery options. Please contact the Pantry for more information at 508-528-3115
Project Bread can help callers with SNAP applications over the phone. The number is 800-645-8333 and they are open 8 AM - 7 PM, Mon-Fri and 10 AM - 2 PM on Saturdays throughout the crisis

Thank you and please stay safe. https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Franklin Food Pantry: Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Update March 23

Temporarily Closing Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries and Trails

It brings us great sadness to inform you that, to support the stay-at-home advisory given by Governor Baker, we will be closing all of Mass Audubon's wildlife sanctuaries and trails to any visitation as of noon on Tuesday, March 24, until further notice.

We know how important it is to get out in nature, and there is nothing we like better than seeing people enjoying our trails.

But the health and safety of the residents of Massachusetts and beyond must take priority. Our hope is that these extreme measures will help flatten the curve, so we can soon go back to business as usual. And with the support of people like you, we will come back even stronger.

While you can't visit our sanctuaries in person for the time being, you can engage with us online. In fact, we are hard at work creating wonderful experiences that you can watch on Facebook or via our website.

We hope that you can still find solace and comfort in nature, just a little closer to home. And be on the lookout for signs of spring—including the calls of Spring Peepers and Wood Frogs, salamanders on the move, emerging Skunk Cabbage, and the return of Eastern Phoebes and other migratory birds.

Stay well,

Gary Clayton
Mass Audubon President

208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773.

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