Sunday, August 23, 2020

Hockomock Area YMCA Offers Remote Learning Support Programs and Before & After School Care

Our Hockomock Area YMCA knows this academic year will challenge families and present a unique need in our communities, as families will be balancing their children's remote learning needs with their own work schedules and commitments. We have been preparing to adapt our Y's Before & After School Care program to include both full-day remote learning support as needed, along with traditional before and after school care.  These enhanced programs will be comprehensive, supporting your child's virtual learning needs, while providing enrichment, socialization and physical activity each day. 
 
At all three of our YMCA full facility branches in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro, we plan to provide onsite full-day remote learning and enrichment programming Monday through Friday as space allows. We are also identifying additional buildings in communities we serve where we may be able to expand our offering and allow more families to register.

Here is where we are in this process and the next steps we must take.
  • All organizations who plan to offer any childcare or school age support program during the school year must be licensed by the state's Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) in order to operate legally and within the standards that provide quality care and keep children safe.
  • All Hockomock Area YMCA childcare and before and after school care programs are licensed by DEEC and we follow their guidelines strictly.
  • While local school districts have submitted their final plans to the state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for approval, and have communicated these plans to families within their community, the DEEC that we depend upon for licensing has not yet issued their revised COVID-19 standards or guidelines. These two state departments coordinate efforts to make sure guidelines are consistent.
  • Until these guidelines are released, no program can operate, and we cannot finalize key elements, including staff to child ratios, the number of children allowed per classroom, and revised cleaning protocols.
According to the DEEC, the state should be providing us with the necessary guidelines by the end of this week or early next week. It has been shared with us that organizations like our Y who already have a license will be first in line to expand their care and be approved for the full day remote learning support program.
 
We will be moving forward in the next few days on anticipated program guidelines and making registration for families available, with the understanding that the entire program is pending on state approval.

If you would like to receive future updates and registration information once it’s available, please complete our online contact form by CLICKING HERE (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=PpzOnpumbUWH4PxDDFqr5r-uLr_JgcNOrd_wDdoe02lUNjVMSzM3WDdDMzhBVDk2QkVJUThPTDJQSSQlQCN0PWcu).

Hockomock Area YMCA
Bernon Family Branch
45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA 02038
Phone: 508-528-8708
http://www.hockymca.org/franklin

Hockomock Area YMCA Offers Remote Learning Support Programs and Before & After School Care
Hockomock Area YMCA 

In the News: "The results of the study are expected in four to six weeks"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Germany held a pop concert Saturday to see how those attending could spread coronavirus if they had it. 
German researchers studying COVID-19 packed part of a Leipzig arena with volunteers, collecting data in a “real life” simulation of a pop concert but one with strict health and safety controls. 
About 1,500 people took part in the experiment run by the University Hospital in Halle, each taking a coronavirus test ahead of time, testing negative, and having to wear protective masks throughout the day’s testing. 
Researchers equipped each volunteer with contact tracers to record their routes in the arena and track the path of the aerosols — the small particles that could carry the virus — they emitted as they mingled and talked. Fluorescent disinfectants were used to highlight which surfaces at the mock concert were touched most frequently."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

In the News: "The results of the study are expected in four to six weeks"
In the News: "The results of the study are expected in four to six weeks"

In the News: Dean goes remote learning; post-pandemic Cape Cod maybe more unaffordable

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Under normal circumstances, Dean College would be getting ready to welcome students from near and far back to campus 
Not so in the world of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Instead, the campus in downtown Franklin will remain a quiet oasis as the college goes with a fully remote fall semester. 
In a statement posted on the Dean College website, President Paula Rooney noted that a lot of careful consideration was given to how the college would approach a return to classes for the 2020-21 academic year. 
“Throughout this process, the health and well-being of our entire community has been and will continue to be our primary concern,” she stated."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Dean goes remote learning;
Dean goes remote learning; 

"Cape Cod officials said Thursday that the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial disruption it’s caused for many have shined a spotlight on connections between housing, health care and the economy.

On a call with other members of the Cape’s reopening task force, state Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, said he’s worried that trends in the housing market linked to COVID-19 “will only exacerbate how Cape Cod is so profoundly unaffordable.”

Cyr said housing and the lack of affordable places to live was one of the biggest, most urgent issues facing the Cape and Islands region, where much new housing production caters to second-home buyers, before the pandemic hit.

“Cape Codders of my generation are struggling to make a life here,” Cyr said, adding that the crisis has revealed existing societal inequities to be “gaping fissures.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)


Saturday, August 22, 2020

Nexamp Shared Solar Farm Information Sessions Scheduled - Aug 25, Aug 26

Franklin residents,

Please find an informational letter regarding a shared community solar farm attached here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/nexamp_signed_letter.pdf


"We're excited to let you know that residents of the Town of Franklin are eligible to subscribe to a new local shared community solar farm that is being built by Nexamp and going live in Summer 2021. Nexamp will be hosting online information sessions on August 25th and August 26th for all Franklin residents to learn more about how you can tap into these solar farms to reduce your electric bill.

The solar farm, located on Spring Street in Franklin, will add more than a 6.3 MW of renewable energy to National Grid's electricity grid, or enough electricity to power more than 800 homes. This community solar farm falls under Massachusetts' community solar program, which allows residents to subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and go solar without rooftop panels.

Subscribers receive credits on their National Grid electric bill for the energy produced by their solar farm share. Nexamp normally provides these credits at a 12.5% discount but, through a special agreement with the Town of Franklin, Nexamp is offering a special discount rate of 15% to Franklin residents, meaning subscribers can save even more on their annual electricity costs.

There's no upfront cost and no long-term commitment - you can cancel your community solar share with no penalties.
Nexamp and Franklin have worked together to ensure that a portion of the farm has been reserved for Franklin residents. Openings are on a first-come, first-served basis until October 15th. To learn more or to subscribe right now, please visit solar.nexamp.com/Franklin or call Nexamp at 800-945-5124.

You can also join Nexamp at one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more about the program and the special offer for Franklin residents. Each session runs for about 30 minutes and includes a program overview followed by a time of interactive Q&A.

Tues, August 25 7:00 PM  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84925478387

Weds, August 26 1:00  PM  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85976472137

You can quickly and easily register for either session by visiting the links above. having you join us."

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Note: Franklin residents will also get the benefits of Municipal Aggregation this fall and only need to opt out of the agreement if they already have a solar or other private supply agreement.

The deal for Municipal aggregation was confirmed at the February 12, 2020 Town Council meeting. 


olar farm installation at Mount St Mary's Abbey in progress in July 2013
solar farm installation at Mount St Mary's Abbey in progress in July 2013
 

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast 8-21-2020

Hello Everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying the warm summer weather and staying healthy. Fall is just around the corner!


Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar -https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day/2020-07-07

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/


August Events

Mon., Aug.24: MEMORY CAFÉ at 3:00 p.m. on ZOOM, features the beautiful and engaging music of violinist, Lynn Canavan. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 


Thurs., Aug.27: FASHIONS OF HOLLYWOOD on ZOOM with Karen (Ren) Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion at 1:00 p.m. Ren presents this fascinating look at the glamorous fashions of the silver screen during the '30s, '40s, '50s. Join us as we travel through the decades to enjoy a glimpse into the glamorous world of fashion. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 


Mon., Aug. 31: STEVE SHERLOCK - Talk Franklin Matters at 2:00 p.m. for all the latest Franklin news. To join us, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 


And don't forget the Curbside Cafe!  Open M-F, Great food and service with a smile! https://www.franklinma.gov/Curb


CHANCE TO WIN A FREE LUNCH! - Email me and tell me your favorite thing about this email blast or something you would like me to include in the next one and be entered to win a free lunch at our FABULOUS Curbside Cafe!   

Tips

Beautiful backyard landscaping ideas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFrnGVBHuG0


5 gardening tips that actually work

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kueifr5Ve8Q


Guided meditation - 20 minutes long reduce stress and anxiety

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIr3RsUWrdo


Music

Big Band Swing Era - over 45 minutes of fantastic swing music!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U69OtG1Mti4


A magical piano moment - impromptu concert

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avlOGya53IU


Just for Fun

Watch Orchestra Wives - full version featuring Glenn Miller 1.5 hours long. Original B&W version.  Sit back and enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9TXTizrMBE


Retired and living on a cruise ship - Would you do this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dWFKp-bJtk


Giant flying boats!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f906Sy79hA


12 of the most amazing abandoned planes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNABAOBPL5s


Easter Island - fascinating information about the statues 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4U5Y7MSAJc


Humor

Bloopers on the news.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oizzPmG6BlU


Funny golden retrievers - a compilation of funny dog videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiP4jwiTazI


Andy Woodhull - Being late - a comedy special

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLUFit8815c


Jeanne Robertson - we don't sell vanilla milkshakes

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


Kindness Matters

Have faith in the goodness of humanity.  Random acts of kindness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcI1E8C3mB8


Simple acts of kindness.  A short film part 2 will play immediately after part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdYJr03eJjE


Caught in Providence - This should possibly be in the Humor category

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG8g4WReE5c


Attached you will find:

  1. Donna's fun filled activity sheets https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pCvN69S61X63FrOEurXnKqZbSEAGpHQf/view?usp=sharing

  2. Paint by number 2 sheets https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rWrxF3GY9nxcKtq4HcAryvitr8BDH0iC/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JM5XIqVjS8an19vxL9voEQfima-FBvpU/view?usp=sharing

  3. Cranium crunches  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WMu-SF_MGR6OMuJ_NKVLwt0D1Pi5cF9L/view?usp=sharing


Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you! 

Ariel 


Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 



MEMORY CAFE!

Exciting news starting on  September 14th, there will be a virtual Memory Cafe EVERY MONDAY at 3 PM!  Please let us know if you would like to be on the list to receive the invite to attend!


REMEMBER:

When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here



--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast 8-21-2020
Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast 8-21-2020

FHS Joshua Hanna video update For Aug 21

Here is a link to our FHS weekly video.  I hope you all are able to have a peaceful weekend.  https://t.co/IaSTJ8iyuO @FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters @FranklinHS #PantherPride

 

Commonwealth Magazine: delays in childcare licensing; "A color coded map is not a plan"

 From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin:

"NICOLE MCCORMACK, a hairstylist from Haverhilll, always dreamed of opening a home daycare. So with her youngest son entering kindergarten, she started applying for a license in March.

Five months later, she has not been able to take the training courses required by the Department of Early Education and Care, and her licensing process is stalled. The delays have left her and several families who are interested in her daycare, either neighbors or people who saw her website, in limbo.

“There’s people that are calling, and I don’t know what to tell them, when I’ll be able to accept them,” McCormack said.

As many existing childcare providers struggle with the decision about whether to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a crop of potential new providers have been prevented from opening by pandemic-related delays in the state’s licensing process."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

"EVERY CITY AND TOWN in Massachusetts has spent months trying to figure out how to return to in-person schooling. We all know the social, emotional, and educational benefits for our children. We all know a fully functioning school system also primes the pump of our economy because it allows everyone to go to work. I recognize the importance not just as a mayor, but as a parent of four school-aged children. However, the stark reality is we’re in the midst of a pandemic with COVID-19 cases still cropping up all over our state.

What we have needed from the start is a real plan from the state and the support needed to implement it. We need pervasive surveillance testing so we can catch and isolate new cases before we suffer general outbreaks. We need robust contact tracing. We need to re-outfit ventilation systems in our schools and reorganize our classrooms. We need to have a rational understanding of how many other things in our society we can have open before we attempt to bring back our schools full-time. Instead, what we got last week was a color-coded map that provides no new information for those of us working on these issues.

I appreciate the bind in which Gov. Charlie Baker finds himself. Much of what we need to develop a sustainable reopening plan relies upon federal funding and support, and that’s a black hole from which no help is likely to emerge. However, a map is not a plan.

Municipal officials already are well aware of our local numbers. Yet it means very little that our community ranks as low risk of transmission when we have two extremely high risk communities, Everett and Chelsea, on our border and a school workforce that resides throughout the region. What happens in Everett and Chelsea happens in Somerville. Coronavirus doesn’t recognize city lines. If we’ve got an outbreak on our doorstep, then we need to respond like we’ve got an outbreak."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)