Franklin Food Pantry: Thank you for showing us that we are all in this together

"The past few months have been challenging to say the least. In early March when we were faced with the start of the Covid-19 crisis we weren't sure what was going to happen. We didn't know how many new neighbors we'd need to welcome into our Pantry and we didn't know how we'd be able to serve them and all of our existing neighbors.

Almost overnight we were able to change our operations and serve our neighbors with a prepackaged bag of self stable foods, fresh produce and choice of protein via a drive up service. We were ready to help them and we will continue to be ready to serve throughout this pandemic and whenever this pandemic is over, we will be ready to serve all those who need this.

We couldn't do this without you. Through your generosity, you have helped us meet our neighbors' needs. Every donation coming in allows us to purchase fresh produce, shelf-stable food, proteins like frozen beef and chicken, and even bags to pack the food in. Your support also allows us to keep the lights on, fill the Pantry truck with gas, and keep our doors open for all who need us.

Our local businesses have also stepped up to help us. Thank you to:

• JH Pokory Associates
• CVS
• Target
• Thermo Fisher
• Wal-Mart

Again, thank you. This experience, while being so uncertain and sad, has also shown us such hope. Margaret Mead said it best, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Your generosity and thoughtfulness is making Franklin just a little bit brighter. You inspire us everyday. Thank you for showing us - and the community - that we are all in this together. "


https://youtu.be/zA_yhDFwWKE


To donate to the Franklin Food Pantry  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/
 

GoFundMe for FHS wrestling coach: Carmine Colace

"In a time of a tragic pandemic, small businesses are struggling to pay their bills. One of these businesses, New England Gold Wrestling Club, is owned by legendary Franklin High School wrestling coach, Carmine Colace. Carmine has transformed hundreds of lives not only in the town of Franklin but all over the New England region.

In these troubling times, we hope to help support Carmine pay for rent and prepare for when he re-opens. Carmine’s significant other Kathy has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Kathy has embraced the lifestyle of wrestling and has a smile on her face every time we see her.

Carmine has taught all of his wrestler’s life long lessons such as hard work, dedication and to just keep on wrestling. Carmine’s hard work and dedication has led to not only our success but his success as well. We know this time is difficult for everyone but please consider helping Carmine and New England Gold wrestling during a difficult financial time.

We want to see Carmine continue to change people’s lives. Just like Carmine supports us in following our dreams, we want to do the same."

GoFundMe link
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-legendary-franklin-coach-carmine-colace


Shared via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1253349939465334784?s=09

GoFundMe for FHS wrestling coach: Carmine Colace

FHS Unified Music presents "I want it that way"

"Hey everyone! Here is the final product of the video we have been working on for the last few weeks! Hope you enjoy!"

YouTube Link = https://youtu.be/ZSgg6RDHcd8




Shared via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FHSUnifiedMusic/status/1253445557659541505?s=09

In the News: Charles River Meadowlands study completed

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"After nearly two years of effort, the Beta Group recently completed a draft study of the Charles River Meadowlands in Bellingham, Franklin and Medway.

“Joining three communities around a shared natural asset, the Charles River Meadowlands, is what this project is all about,” said Kelly R. Carr, senior associate at BETA Group, Inc., the consulting firm that conducted the study.

Dating to early meetings in 2016, the Meadowlands Initiative (www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org) has sought to bring focus and awareness to the hundreds of acres of public wetlands and borderlands controlled by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the three towns.

Originally acquired in the 1970s and 1980s for flood control, and incorporated in the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area, the region has been gradually walled off from the public by roadways and rapid private development. However, each of the towns has land holdings for conservation and other purposes that abut the federal lands, effectively creating a large natural sanctuary similar in scale to the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord."

https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200422/charles-river-meadowlands-study-completed

View a copy of the full report:
https://3c2eb8ef-bdd5-452c-ac1c-90b53ffa5b46.filesusr.com/ugd/2fc87e_2111508ad75f4b71a15471c7c14ec28f.pdf

In the News: Charles River Meadowlands study completed

FHS Keep Music Alive #4 (video)

Dear Franklin Community,

The news released this week by Governor Baker was expected, but sad for all of us at Franklin High School. We are especially sad for our seniors who have worked so hard over the past 4 years and were looking forward to a traditional senior, "end of the year". The Franklin music department is so proud of our seniors and we thank you for all the wonderful memories.

Today's FHS Music Alive post will feature FHS senior, CJ Dexter on Baritone Saxophone. He will be attending UCONN in the fall to major in communications and music.

I am also including a video of a selection from the FHS Musical Theatre Company's final rehearsal before remote learning began. I would like to thank Mrs. Marianne Lonati, Ms. Renee Hersee and the entire cast of Chicago. I am deeply saddened that we will not get to see the final production. This selection is "Razzle Dazzle" from "Chicago", featuring senior Danny Harrington and the entire cast. The show was supposed to run March 20 and 21.

Enjoy!

Diane M. Plouffe

Director of Music

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin High School

CJ Dexter - Baritone Saxophone
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19GEwZ9xf1XJxHUrNAZyG9r8yNoDCazAC/view?usp=sharing





Danny Harrington and the FHS Cast of "Chicago"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FdaTDnboGhfYq5AsdO0wwwCRYM-fy4O9/view?usp=sharing 

FTC Sends 21 Letters Warning Marketers to Stop Making Unsupported Claims That Their Products and Therapies Can Effectively Treat Coronavirus

Supposed therapies range from stem cell infusions to acupuncture and ozone treatments

The Federal Trade Commission announced it has sent 21 additional letters warning marketers throughout the United States to stop making unsubstantiated claims that their products and therapies can treat or prevent coronavirus (COVID-19). This is third set of warning letters the FTC has sent to sellers of such products as part of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers from COVID-19 related scams.

The FTC previously sent warning letters to the sellers of supplements including colloidal silver, teas, essential oils, and other products pitched as scientifically proven coronavirus treatments. The letters announced today, however, address a wider range of products and supposed treatments, including some that may appear more medically sophisticated to consumers, such as acupuncture, intravenous (IV) "therapies" with high doses of Vitamin C, ozone therapy, and purported stem cell treatments. However, there is currently no scientific evidence that these products or services can treat or cure coronavirus.

The FTC sent the letters announced today to the companies and individuals listed below. The recipients are grouped based on the type of therapy, product, or service they pitched to supposedly prevent or treat coronavirus disease.

General Therapy Products, Vitamins, and Supplements:

• Abundant Life Wellness Center (homeopathic dilutions)
• Alkaline for Life at the Center for Better Bones (high-dose Vitamin C)
• Blessed Maine Herb Farm (herbal therapy)
• Ethos Natural Medicine LLC (Kratom tablets and powders)
• Fast Relief Acupuncture (acupuncture and herbal therapy)
• Greenbelt Outdoors (high-dose Vitamin C)
• Jiva Med Spa (supplements)
• Personal Health Shop (elderberry)
• REVIV (high-dose Vitamin C)

IV Therapy and Related Treatments:

• Absolute Health Clinic (IV Vitamin C; stem cell therapy)
• AwareMed (IV therapy)
• Liquivida Lounge (IV therapy; Vitamin C)
• Merge Medical Center
• Prana IV Therapy (IV Vitamin C)
• Vidaful Medicine (IV Vitamin C; stem cell therapy; ozone therapy)
• Windhorse Naturopathic Clinic (IV Vitamin C)

Ozone Therapy:

• American Medical Aesthetics
• RowenSu Clinic
• TRLYHEAL Pty. Ltd.

Stem Cell Therapy:

• Center for Regenerative Cell Medicine
• Stemedix, Inc.

In the letters, the FTC states that one or more of the efficacy claims made by the marketers are unsubstantiated because they are not supported by scientific evidence, and therefore violate the FTC Act. The letters advise the recipients to immediately cease making all claims that their products can treat or cure coronavirus and to notify the FTC within 48 hours about the specific actions they have taken to address the agency's concerns.

The letters note that if the false claims do not cease, the Commission may seek a federal court injunction and an order requiring money to be refunded to consumers.

The letters announced today are the latest round of warnings the FTC has sent to sellers of products pitched as able treat or prevent coronavirus. The Commission also has sent letters to several Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers, warning them that it is illegal to aid or facilitate the transmission of pre-recorded telemarketing robocalls pitching supposed coronavirus-related products or services.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.

Shared from FTC
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/04/ftc-sends-21-letters-warning-marketers-stop-making-unsupported?utm_source=govdelivery

"Anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can join in"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest to Franklin.

"City and town halls across the state are largely silent this spring as efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus have forced public meetings online — leaving elected officials working to keep local government moving in the midst of a pandemic.

Until a few weeks ago, Kenneth Tavares — chairman of Plymouth’s Select Board and a 50-year veteran of town politics — never would have imagined holding video conference calls to conduct public business. Now, he feels differently.

"I think I'm a fan of it," Tavares said. "Thirty days ago, I don't think I would have said that to you."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/04/23/metro/midst-pandemic-public-meetings-continue-online/

In this pandemic time, the Town of Franklin is not alone in moving to virtual meetings. While the Governor's Executive Order has allowed for these, and they do work, although they would seem to take longer, that is a small price to pay. Questions remain to be resolved to make this a standard practice. 

In the BCE (before coronavirus era), an open meeting basically meant, the location of the meeting was physically open for anyone to walk in, even if handicapped. In this digital arena, internet access seems to be the default. 

However, how do other forms of handicap get addressed? Assuming internet is broadly available (a big assumption), how does the online platform enable someone with a hearing disability participate? The Governor's press updates have an individual signing American Sign Language (ASL). That provides the information outward. How would a hearing impaired person, ask a question or provide feedback on a topic?

What does accessible meant for an open meeting in this digital/virtual world?
 

one of three screens of users for the Town Council meeting Weds (over 60 at peak)