Franklin Matters

Friday, November 6, 2020

In the News: "1,761 new COVID-19 cases confirmed"

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

"The state Department of Public Health reported an additional 1,761 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the statewide total to 160,698.

An estimated 18,279 cases are active across the state, the daily report shows.

State health officials also confirmed 23 new COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the state’s confirmed coronavirus death toll to 9,859."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201105/1761-new-covid-19-cases-confirmed-in-mass-23-additional-deaths?rssfeed=true

Community Level data map https://www.mass.gov/info-details/community-level-covid-19-data-reporting

COVID-19 Community-Level Data Map - 11/04/20

Thursday, November 5, 2020

FHS Path To Return To Play/Perform

FHS Varsity Student Athletes / Performers, Parents / Guardians, and Staff,

We know that these past few days have been frustrating with the disruptions to the anticipation of both hybrid school as well as games / performances.

Understanding that out of doors events have been determined as safe by our health and safety officials, we are writing with a solution to allow for games / performances to begin on November 9, 2020.

FHS is in the process of looking to team up with a local healthcare provider to allow for large scale Covid-19 tests to be administered on site at Franklin High School. We are aiming to hold this on Saturday, November 7, 2020. Plans are still developing with the idea that students will be given the opportunity to take the test and upon receiving a negative test result would then be cleared to play / perform in upcoming scheduled events.

Because we are still working on the feasibility of this, the workaround (in order to get testing accomplished in a timely fashion -- Rapid Test results are back within 1-2 days and PCR tests take 4-5 days), student athletes/performers may obtain Covid-19 tests independently. Upon proof of testing negative, they would be cleared to play/perform in next week’s scheduled events.

We will also ask that players/performers complete one additional step of filling out a survey each day of play to assure ourselves and others that everyone is safe. This survey screens players/performers about Covid-19 symptoms and exposure to the virus, as well as asks participants to attest that they did not attend any large gatherings over the 10/30 - 11/1 weekend that did not practice social distancing or wearing of masks including the Halloween party that resulted in the 2 week cancellation of events.

All school handbook rules regarding participation in extracurriculars still apply.

Here is a link to COVID testing sites in MA (if unable to attend 11/7/20 or if we are unable to host a testing site on the FHS campus) https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13

We wish we could offer testing to all of our students in order to return to school in hybrid instruction. At this time, it is not feasible to test approximately 600 students each week. Additionally, the outdoor nature of these activities is being considered as compared to the indoor nature of school and other clubs and activities. We sincerely hope that more robust testing is available in the future in order to facilitate as much in person teaching and learning as possible.

We wish to extend our regret that the golf tournament was held on Monday and that the timing of the event did not facilitate participation of those players. Many aspects of managing through this pandemic are out of our control and require additional time for us to develop novel responses.

We wish to extend our sincere condolences to the students who had been scheduled to play and acknowledge this loss of experience for you and your families.

Sincerely,

Joshua Hanna

FHS Principal

Tom Angelo
FHS Athletic Director

Sara Ahern

Superintendent of Schools

FHS Path to Return to Play/Perform

Davis Thayer Facility Analysis - Community Info Session - Recap - 11/4/20

Quick Recap:

With info gathered, they can update their five step process, they are currently in Phase 2
Overview of the highlights of the facility analysis report and presentation as covered in the prior School Committee meeting 10/27/20
Discussion of possible timeline for the next steps
Survey out for community input

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in the album https://photos.app.goo.gl/MbtLUoz3KH8CFs3q9

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #dtfa1104
https://twitter.com/hashtag/dtfa1104?src=hashtag_click

#dtfa1104 meeting starting now ... Concern of too many SchComm members present although they are not deliberating, just sharing info already shared
Menti.com being used for interaction tonight #dtfa1103
#dtfa1104 agenda slide
#dtfa the five step process
#dtfa1104 overview of report on facility capacity. Educational adequacy explored and rated, schools and under capacity
#dtfa1104 enrollment declines continue over next 7 years before turning up
Enrollment decline more so on middle school level. (And less speculation here, the students for the most part are already in the system) (elementary students projections generally already seen in birthrates) #dtfa1104
#dtfa1104 the budget issue worsens if nothing done (yup) and any school budget looking for more money would need to have a clear answer to this situation.
Review of the various options #dtfa1104 focus of subcommittee remains on the DT potential closing and factors thereoff
Considering physical distance factors in this part of the work #dtfa1104 decision will be based upon multiple reports, info, factors (hoping they don't get overwhelmed with analysis paralysis) possible 3rd info session to be considered
Possible to work through stages 1-4 during winter and depending upon pandemic status get to point on when Stage 5 would start #dtfa1104
Getting ready for questions, #dtfa1104 what work would be req'd for middle schools regarding firing the elementary students within (i.e. Keller using some of Sullivan)
Title I is associated with the students more than with the building. #dtfa1104 would require a recalculation and maybe a redistribution among the schools
Yes, getting this done within the current SchComm term (Nov 21) is a motivator but not the only key, the decision needs to be made when it can be #dtfa1104 Keller sprinkler issues raised (occured twice) should be resolved to prevent reoccurrence
Spencer speaking as mom, not SchComm member; is concerned about loss of staff at DT, principal already gone (interim in place this year) response - staff considered within district and according to bargaining agreement #dtfa1104
Info session coming to an end, Q&A to be posted on DT page akin to the first session. #dtfa1104

Additional info on the Facility Analysis

https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

Davis Thayer Facility Analysis - Community Info Session - Recap - 11/4/20

Board of Health - Nov 4, 2020 meeting recap

Quick Recap:

Motion to approve prior meeting minutes passed via roll call vote 3-0
Motion to grant waive on leaching field/Title 5 specifications to create a working system passed by roll call 3-0 vote
Manicure establishment regulation to be subject of a future public hearing before removing the regulation as it is duplicative with what the State already does
Updates on recruiting for future clinic in process; building at 27 Winter condemned, proceedings appreciated by Franklin Police
No questions from committee on Gov Baker’s updates to COVID-19 restrictions, facial covering requirements, etc.

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #boh1104
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh1104&src=typeahead_click

Busy meeting night ahead; getting ready for real time reporting for the Board of Health meeting coming at 5PM agenda and connection info here https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-11-4-20_revised.pdf. #boh1104
Choice of School Committee Davis Thayer facility Community meeting or Town Council meeting at 7 PM, as the Franklin TV will do the Town Council, I'll audio record the DTFA info session #boh1104
#boh1104 underway
#boh1104 motion to accept prior 3 meeting minutes approved via roll call 3-0 next up for discussion title 5 plan for 4 Abbey Lane looking for two local upgrade approval. Tank going back in same place at 30 years ago, can't be changed otherwise. Moving leaching field higher
Motion to grant variance as requested passes 3-0 via roll call. Chap 238 manicure establishments, already covered by State, no real value add for Franklin coverage. Should consider a public hearing to provide due diligence for removal of regulation #boh1104
Recruiting for volunteers for clinic, 39 responses still open, when time comes we should be ready ... Look out for nursing schools to provide some students who need opportunity to help (due to the pandemic) #boh1104 paperwork processing, post shot checks, etc.
New orders on gatherings, face coverings, etc. Don't anticipate going red, went from 11 to 14 cases. Chair to send calculation to Dir. Liberty 27 Winter st, #boh1104 condemned the dwelling due to condition, multiple complaints over recent years. Criminal charge for disturbing
Places like this take up too much time by the Police to respond to. Doors are locked, windows on 2nd floor broken open but otherwise access is restricted. #boh1104
Chair turned duties to vice chair, no public comments, motion to adjourn, passed 2-0 #boh1104

Board of Health - Nov 4, 2020 meeting recap

FPAC to Present Socially Distanced Production of ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND - Nov 8

"The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present a creative and socially distanced production of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland on Sunday, November 8. A nomadic audience of 10 will meet Alice and follow her from venue to venue as her adventures unfold. Dressed to be outside and in, audience members will walk from vignette to vignette, on THE BLACK BOX and 38 Main Street campus. Masks are required.

The creative production was conceived and directed by Nick Paone. Paone has a BA in Theater from Occidental College. A former Equity actor, his performing credits include Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors, Oklahoma, Red Roses, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and Romeo and Juliet. He has written and directed numerous shows, produced an evening of one-act plays in NYC, and traveled extensively performing with TheatreWorks USA. Nick's numerous FPAC credits include The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, Seussical, The Addams Family, Peter Pan, Les Misérables, Humbug!, Newsies, Little Shop of Horrors, and many more. He is the creative mind behind FPAC's original musicals Humbug!, Zero, and multiple holiday pantos."

Shared from https://www.broadwayworld.com/boston/article/FPAC-to-Present-Socially-Distanced-Production-of-ALICES-ADVENTURES-IN-WONDERLAND-20201102?

Tickets can be purchased online https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1421&month=11&year=2020

ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND - Nov 8

Franklin Community Garden: Maintenance Day - Nov 11

We are planning on having a maintenance day on November 11th from 9am-12. By then all garden beds should be cleaned out and if you are planning on renting next year that would be a great day to amend your soil. With beautiful weather in the forecast for the next week, we really need to spend a few minutes cleaning out the beds. It's also a good time to plant garlic for next year as well.

What will be doing on that day? You can care for your garden by cleaning it out and then we need help moving the picnic tables and covering them, washing the tools (important so that when we use them next year if there were any disease on the tools it will not be transferred to someone's garden), cut the grass one last time, stack all the tomato cages in the back of the shed so they don't blow away, put the hoses away, put down some clover and clean out the shed. After November 11th the water will be shut off.

It's time to clean out your garden beds of all fallen produce, perennials that do not belong (strawberries, raspberry bushes, corn stalks and mint.) If you would like to grow mint then you need to put it in a plastic pot and then plant the pot in the garden. This way it does not multiply throughout the whole garden. If you ever decide not to use that garden space and the mint had been growing then it would be a big deal to remove it and this holds true for the strawberries and the bushes.

The University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension offers these free one hour LEARN AT HOME webinars. This one is perfect for us: "Putting the Garden to Bed: Tips and Tricks for Success Next Year" . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuuAh1Ir4Es There are others and once you visit their website you can choose whatever seems to be of interest to you.

Lastly, I want to thank all our volunteers for their hard work keeping the Community Garden going so smoothly. Deb Schwab has really stepped up to be our liaison from the Recreation Dept to all of you. She has been behind the scenes organizing all the eagle scout projects, managing the volunteers for the maintenance days and I can't thank her enough. Teresa Triana, Jen Kuse (Franklin Food Pantry), Melanie Hamblen and all our eagle scouts. This has been our best year by far and it's because of all of these individuals. Thank you letters will be going out to our eagle scouts today.

We will open up registration to all returning gardeners for 2021 on Monday, February 1st, 8:30am.

amend your soil link https://organicforecast.org/2015/11/five-reasons-to-amend-garden-soil-now/