State Rep Jeff Roy: Update #5 on COVID-19

COVID-19 update #5

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to test us, but our Commonwealth and communities have stepped up to the challenge. Our goals are to keep infections down and to watch out for one another. Communication is key at this time and that's why I send along these updates regularly in addition to updating my website. New information is coming out regularly and in great volume. To keep the information timely and manageable, I will continue to post only new information in these update emails. Please visit https://jeffreyroy.com/covid-19-updates/ for a compilation of all of the updates. That site will be updated frequently to keep you up to speed on the latest developments. Here are the updates since my last email:

Office hours. I will be hosting office hours on Friday morning (March 27) at 8:30 AM via Zoom. Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Town Council Chair Tom Mercer will join me this week. We will discuss state and local issues and answer your questions until 9:30 a.m. I will try to arrange a similar meeting with Medway town officials as well in the next few days. You can join the Zoom meeting at https://zoom.us/j/270806351 or dial in at 1-929-205-6099 (type in meeting ID: 270 806 351 when asked). I hope you can join us. We will record the meeting for re-broadcast as well.

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Please look out for your friends and neighbors and stay informed with the links above.

If you have additional questions or need additional information, please let me know. I am not a medical doctor, so please contact your health care provider if you have specific health concerns. But I am happy to try and chase down any policy or state government related questions you might have. You can reach my State House office at 617-722-2030 or email me at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov. 

State Rep Jeff Roy

State Rep Jeff Roy: Update #5 on COVID-19

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of content
https://mailchi.mp/5befe9991af7/ux2l17im8a-2481317

Message from the Franklin Cultural District

Hello,

We hope this that email finds you well. We are navigating difficult times and so, the sharing of resources is most important.

On Thursday, Nancy Schoen and Pandora Carlucci attended a webinar hosted by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and facilitated by Anita Walker, Executive Director of the MCC. The webinar focused on COVID-19 and used the lens of those involved with culture and the arts.

Throughout the course of the webinar, the presenters shared a number of websites they thought might be helpful. This purpose of this email is to share those sites with you.

https://massculturalcouncil.org/ This is the homepage of the MCC. It is a good place to start and contains information relating to a variety of sources. As you scroll through the homepage, you'll come to a section titled: Data Collection on the Impact of Covid-19. There are two important surveys included: one for organizations and one for artists/independent teachers. Ms. Walker noted that she and the MCC would be advocating for culture and the arts and the data collected through these surveys would help with that effort. These surveys are currently closed but Ms. Walker noted that she would continue to survey and collect supportive data.

https://nff.org/covid-19-tools-and-resources-nonprofits This is the Nonprofit Finance Fund. The presenter was Sandi McKinley and she spoke about unknown aspects of the pandemic. She referenced the untold timeline and the need to recognize the importance of the nonprofit sector.

https://www.bphc.org/Pages/default.aspx a representative from the Boston Public Health Commission spoke about the signs of the virus and the need for social distancing, hand washing and more. This website provides some suggestions.

Many of Franklin's musicians, visual artists, and performing artists are reaching out to the community with opportunities to participate through social media. There are private lessons on a variety of subjects using video conferencing and communication tools. Additionally, the Franklin Cultural Council hosted an elementary and middle school art competition last week and issued a high school art challenge this week. People are staying engaged. We have a thoughtful and vibrant community.

We will continue to share information as it becomes available. In the meantime, the Town of Franklin has a wonderful information portal: https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

Franklin Matters is a good source of information: https://www.franklinmatters.org/

The Franklin Cultural District Committee wishes you good health and safety during these challenging days

___________________________________

Pandora Carlucci, Ed.D.
Clerk, Franklin Cultural District Committee
pcarluccifranklinculture@gmail.com

Message from the Franklin Cultural District

Once Upon A Town: Morse Opera House Block (video)

"Hosts Joe Landry and Eamon McCarthy Earls explore the history of the Morse Block in downtown Franklin, which once housed a police station, opera house and more"

https://youtu.be/5T4eQxAdTuk

In the News: Mr Barrett provides live music; Gov Baker extends schools closure until May 4

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

Mr Barrett provides live music

"When things seem bleak, there’s nothing like music to inject levity, lighten moods and make connections with others.

That’s just what Jefferson Elementary School music teacher and local musician Jamie Barrett aims to do with his newly introduced “Wake Up With Mr. Barrett” live YouTube concerts.

The concerts are his response to the reality of life in a time of social distancing resulting from the coronavirus.

“I was primarily thinking of ways to stay connected to my students during this time, but also to my family and friends, as well as to anyone else who might enjoy a live concert,” he said. “It’s all about connections.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200325/music-therapy-franklin-musician-goes-live-on-youtube-during-coronavirus-crisis

there’s nothing like music to inject levity

Gov Baker extends schools closure until May 4

"Schools and non-emergency child care centers in Massachusetts will now be closed until at least May 4 under a new order Gov. Charlie Baker signed Wednesday afternoon.

In the meantime, Baker said, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will work to produce in-home programming for students. Previously, schools had been ordered closed until at least April 6.

“This will allow school districts to provide the best possible opportunities for remote learning to all students,” Baker said. He added, “This is not an extended school vacation. During this long-term closure, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will work with school districts to further develop educational programming students can use at home. This way, schools can prepare for their students’ return in May.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200325/updated-gov-baker-orders-school-and-non-emergency-child-care-centers-to-remain-closed-until-at-least-may-4

Franklin Residents: Road work scheduled on Rt 140 - overnight on 3/30 and 3/31

Road work scheduled on Rt 140

Mass DOT will be milling and paving a section of Rt 140 in Franklin between Lewis Street and the Wrentham line. This is scheduled to occur on Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31 at night. 

Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1242876106379857921
 

The section would run from about CVS on one end to the Franklin Country Club on the other end

Help Jamie Barrett write a new Song ...

Hello!  Here's my latest idea... Help Mr. Jamie Barrett write a new song Listen to this short video to find out how:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdt7BXETAiY



It's very simple, very easy and, hopefully, very fun for all who decide to participate! Details, again, are in the short video above!

Please share with EVERYONE you know!!! The more, the merrier!

This is time sensitive and your (very simple) end of the project will close by 5:00 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday)! The new song (that you can be a part of!!!) will be featured in my next LIVE event! Maybe even the first song? Thanks so much for your consideration! Thought this might be fun for all!

Trust me... this IS simple... and might be very entertaining for all... Looking forward to your involvement!!!

PLEASE SHARE!!!!!!!

Jamie 

James H. Barrett
General Music K - 5
Jefferson/Davis Thayer

email: barrettj@franklinps.net

Please consider following me at:
Twitter: @MusicWithMrJHB and at:  https://musicwithmrbarrett.blogspot.com

Help Jamie Barrett write a new Song ...

Real time reporting: Town Council meeting 3/25/20

Present: Chandler, Dellorco, Hamblen, Earls, Kelly, Jones, Bissanti, Mercer Pellegri (7:04)

Absent: none

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.

I did speak up to confirm that it was at least technically possible to do so and thank them for taking this new technology on under the circumstances.
.
3. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 20-18: Update to the 2020 Town Council Meeting Schedule (Motion to approve Resolution 20-18, Majority Vote)

Motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0-1 (Pellegri was assumed 'absent' at this point)

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

quick updates on the changes from the Governor's announcement

Head's up on the paving work to be done on RT 140 at night next week on the March 30 and March 31


5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

none in the round of all councilors (except Pellegri)

6. COUNCIL COMMENTS
most comments were around thanking the community for patience, reminders on maintaining social distance, hopefully this will be over sooner than later

At this point Pellegri was acknowledged, she said she had joined but could not unmute herself to answer the roll call.


7. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call





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

When the video of the meeting is available for replay look for it here
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream