Franklin TV: Putter Day 2022!

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 01/02/2022

Once again, Putter Day (my fave ersatz holiday) returns.  I think of New Year’s Day as the wrapping paper for Putter Day, a day dedicated to trivial and pleasurable accomplishment.   While everyone else offers lip service to, “New year, New you”. Truly devoted putterers are making things happen. The ‘to-do’ list that languishes all year long? Putter Day is the day to tick off a few items. Come sundown on Jan the first, we putterers get to enjoy our ceremonial hands-on-hips power stance, offering our traditional Putter Day exclamation to all.  “My work here is done.”   It is a glorious moment for small accomplishments, self-actualization and fulfillment.

Putter Day 2022

This year? Putter Day lands on a Saturday. Many of us putter on Saturdays. This can minimize the festive ‘can-do’ spirit of Putter Day. To make the most of the moment you can begin puttering on Putter Day Eve and then continue right through Sunday. You can also treat yourself to some nice hand tools at Home Depot.   (Putterers never have enough hand tools.)

Finally, there are some who think that Putter Day has something to do with golf. Not so. Putter is a verb. It’s not a golf club. I checked the ultimate authority on the English language – my OED, The Oxford English Dictionary. In sum, through four very detailed reference columns, OED describes puttering as the pleasurable doing of simple tasks. Putter Day – a holiday of purpose and progress.

May 2022 smile warmly, kindly upon us all. 

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf     

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Jan 5, 2022

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 5, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda:
1. EDC + Steering Committee: Franklin For All

a. Presentation and Discussion from MAPC about the “Franklin For All” zoning reform project for Downtown Commercial zoning district and C-1 zoning district (Franklin Crossing).

Agenda document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/1-5-22_edc_agenda.pdf

 

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Jan 5, 2022

Franklin Public Schools - email on returning to school Monday, Jan 3, 2022

FPS email regarding the return to school Monday, January 3rd - Please read

Dear Franklin Families,

I imagine that there is a lot of nervousness as we return from break and a lot of questions. I will attempt to address as many of these as possible in this communication.

I’d like to take a moment to reassure everyone of how much we have collectively learned as a community in managing COVID for these past 22 months. With a collective effort, care and consideration for each other, and good communication, we will weather yet another series of adjustments and spike of cases.

As we return from break, we recommit to our health and safety measures, there are some updates to the testing and quarantine protocols, and it is a good time to remind everyone of our layered mitigation measures and our health and safety practices.

Although some districts have canceled, I do not feel that the data warrants this level of disruption to our routines. However, in order to adequately prepare for students’ arrival on Monday morning, given some additional safety measures being put into place, we will have a two-hour delayed start for students on Monday, January 3.

When Franklin Public Schools has a delayed opening, ECDC will have a cancellation/delayed opening as follows:

• ECDC morning session (9:15-11:45) will be canceled
• ECDC full day and extended sessions (9:15-3:15 and 9:15-1:15) will delay opening as indicated (for example, if there is a 2-hour delay, the school will open for students at 11:15 and dismiss at the regularly scheduled time).
• The delayed opening will NOT impact the afternoon session (12:45-3:15)

As with a spike in cases last winter, we remain committed to having our school buildings open and doing so as long as we can safely supervise students. We will be continually assessing staffing and coverage. If you know of anyone interested in serving as a substitute, please direct them to the employment section of our website.

Additional Safety Measures Being Implemented

Mask wearing

Masks and face coverings are still required by all individuals in all of our schools, unless an exemption has been granted.

KN-95 masks are being provided to faculty and staff, courtesy of DESE, and will be distributed to staff on Monday morning.

Parents/guardians are reminded to please provide your child with a mask for school. We have supplies to provide them as an extra in the event that one is forgotten or that one breaks, but we do not have an unlimited supply to provide all children with masks each day. We also encourage you to consider upgrading your child’s mask .

COVID-19 Testing

We will continue with Test and Stay of school-based, non-exempt close contacts and with testing of symptomatic individuals.

We are exploring the possibility of initiating pool testing with our testing vendor.

You may still sign up for testing: https://www.cic-health.com/consent/ma

DESE is providing faculty and staff with rapid antigen tests. Faculty and staff will be able to pick these up on Sunday or Monday to use prior to return to school. Testing is not required but is an encouraged optional service.

Unfortunately, there are no antigen tests being provided for students. Tests can be difficult to obtain, but families may want to consider testing their child at home prior to coming to school on Monday. Testing of students will not be required.

Distancing

Although there is no distancing requirement in place, we will recommit to distancing as possible, especially when students are eating.

Ventilation

All classrooms and workspaces have been outfitted with portable HEPA filtration units. They will be turned on each morning in classrooms and workspaces. All filters were recently changed this fall.

Windows will be opened, as tolerated, to promote fresh air circulating.

Hand Hygiene

We will continue to implement good hand hygiene practices.

Students will wash their hands regularly throughout the day (using hand sanitizer, if needed)

Custodians are being asked to double-check hand sanitizer units and restock, if needed.

Faculty and staff will check sanitization supplies in classrooms and offices and we will be sure that they are stocked for student arrival on Monday.

Meetings

We are moving meetings to a remote environment, wherever possible, until February vacation.

Vaccination

Families are encouraged to vaccinate their children as a means of protection against severe illness and infection.

Families are also encouraged to have their child receive a booster shot, if eligible.

Families are also encouraged to have their child vaccinated against the flu.

Updates to Testing and Quarantine Protocols

The CDC adjusted its protocol recommendations over winter break. DESE and DPH issued an update on December 30, 2021, which went into effect immediately. Their guidance is linked above and will be updated on our website on Monday. Two of the main changes in this document include (but are not limited to):

The isolation time for COVID-19 positive individuals is reduced to be as low as 5 days after symptom onset or after positive PCR or antigen test, if asymptomatic. Individuals may return to school on Day 6 if they have been without a fever for 24 hours, and experienced improvement in other symptoms.

Non-exempt school-based close contacts participating in “Test and Stay” will do so for 5 days (previously 7 days).

Reminder about Additional Layered Mitigation Strategies

• We have UVGI installed throughout FHS and in common spaces of our smaller schools
• FPS Cleaning Protocols
• Individuals monitor for symptoms and stay home when sick, and test if appropriate.

I know that this is a time of high concern. Our mitigation strategies are intentionally layered and no one measure is perfect but, taken together, they have been supporting a safe school environment.

We appreciate your understanding of taking some time Monday morning to effectively shore up these additional mitigation efforts to promote a healthy environment.

Sincerely,

Sara Ahern

Superintendent of Schools

email on returning to school Monday, Jan 3, 2022 p1

email on returning to school Monday, Jan 3, 2022 p2

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Meeting Agenda - Jan 5, 2022

FRANKLIN BOARD OF HEALTH

DULY SCHEDULED MEETING and PUBLIC HEARING

3rd floor Training Room

WEDNESDAY, January 5, 2022, 5:00 P.M.

AGENDA

1) Reading and Acceptance of December 8, 2021 meeting minutes

2) PUBLIC HEARING
The use of existing septic tanks in repair or upgrade situations regulation.

3) OLD BUSINESS

4) NEW BUSINESS

• 27 Winter Street meeting with new owners
• Metacomet Shared Service grant regional inspector report
• Metacomet Shared Service grant Public health nurse update
• Metacomet Shared Service grant Epidemiologist hiring update
• 69 Cleveland Ave local upgrade
• COVID testing kits

Chairman opens the floor for any other new business

5) CITIZENS COMMENTARY

6) ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_01052022_0.pdf

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Meeting Agenda - Jan 5, 2022

New January Workshops for 50+Job Seekers in MA Statewide Networking Groups

Happy New Year!   We have an exciting line-up of 50+ Job Seekers events and workshops for January 2022!    Tues, Jan 4th, 10 am - 12 pm: G2G (Give to Get) G2G is an open forum for Q&A, breakouts to work on homework assignments, and plenty of time to network and connect with fellow 50+ job seekers. Every attendee will have their name put on the Wheel of Names. You could win a free coaching session! (SEE ZOOM DETAIL BELOW) Tues, Jan 11th, 10 am - 12 pm: Resumes Part 1: Summary & Formatting Interactive Workshop Your professional summary is often the first view a company has of how you introduce and describe yourself and the skills you offer. Formatting can affect your resume's chance of being interpreted correctly by Applicant Tracking Software (ATS). Your resume is your primary marketing document. It must present the best you! (SEE ZOOM DETAIL BELOW)   New Savvy Seeker Series! The Savvy Seeker Series is a new series of information sessions to help 50+ job seekers become more savvy about programs, resources and additional topics, while you are seeking employment. Thurs, Jan 13th, 11 am – 12 pm: What is SCSEP? Savvy Seeker Series with Dave Bassett! Dave Bassett is the Director of the SCSEP at Operation ABLE If you are a job seeker 55 years old and up...and looking for employment, this program may be for you. Dave will introduce you to the Senior Community Service Employment Program, known as SCSEP. Please Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqc-6rpzMoGteLQdWjZBl2aFOdYMNJDFkY Thurs, Jan 20th, 2 pm - 4 pm: What are Recruiters Looking For? Special Event - Recruiters Panel At this session you will learn: • How recruiters work to find candidates. • What they expect and need from job seekers. • How they interact and work with employers. • How to tell a great recruiter from a decent recruiter.   Knowing how to work with recruiters significantly enhances your odds of landing a job sooner. Please Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpceipqjIvG9OBVt9p0h8Bf8xOYtpuxVCR   Tues, Jan 25th, 10 am - 12 pm: Resumes Part 2: Experience  Interactive Workshop In this session you will learn how to write distinctive, tight, lean, clean resume experience sections with meaning and power! (SEE ZOOM DETAIL BELOW) Thurs, Jan 27th, 11 am - 12 pm:  Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment, Part I Savvy Seeker Series with David Guydan! David Guydan is Director of Discovery Centers for Civic Engagement, which supports volunteerism through Councils on Aging throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Combining purposeful volunteering as part of a job search can increase the chances of landing a paid position. Explore the possibilities in this one-hour virtual seminar, grounded in research on the benefits of volunteerism. Learn about the "new retirement" and an expanded set of options available today for encore careers, whether paid or unpaid. Seminar attendees will leave with new information on how volunteering leads to paid jobs and a roadmap of how to use meaningful volunteer activities as a pathway to employment. Please Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIudu6rqj4iHdNmENiKT5G8hlg_UtslVC56 This seminar is the first part of a two-part series on volunteerism. Part 2, on February 24th from 10:30 am - 12 pm, will feature a panel discussion by experts in the fields of civic engagement, volunteerism, and employment. Questions: Email us at 50plusjobseekersadmin@mcoaonline.com    Join Zoom Meeting – USE THIS LINK FOR ALL PROGRAMS THAT DO NOT HAVE REGISTRATION DETAILS  https://zoom.us/j/97530553439?pwd=cW1lamFwL3o4RmVORnhMcW9zQXljdz09   Meeting ID: 975 3055 3439 Passcode: 828132 One tap mobile +13126266799,,97530553439#,,,,*828132# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,97530553439#,,,,*828132# US (New York)   Dial by your location        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 975 3055 3439 Passcode: 828132 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acYZqkKoLl

Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging | 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 306, Easthampton, MA 01027 Sent by 50plusjobseekersadmin@mcoaonline.com in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

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Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, Jan 2, 2022

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = SUNDAY

7:00 am Reflections: 01-03-16
8:00 am Cultural District: Brent Selby
9:30 am Grace Baptist Church: 12-19-21
10:30 am Whole Health Visions: Life Coaches Pt. 2
11:00 am Senior Connection: Cookies
11:30 am Once Upon A Town: Ray Block
12:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Fire Safety
12:30 pm Ben Gardner's Boat
3:30:00 pm SAFE Coalition: PSA
4:00:00 pm Arts Advocacy: Impact
4:30 pm The Black Box: Newsies
6:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports
7:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Acoustic X
8:00 pm Reflections: 01-03-16
8:30 pm Santa on the Common 2021
9:00 pm U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) =SUNDAY

8:30 am It Takes A Village: Janice Houlihan
10:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Longmeadow 12-31-21
11:30 am Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18
1:00 pm Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2021
2:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball
4:30 pm Community Arts Advocacy Day: A Discussion
5:30 pm SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports
6:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Attleboro 12-17-21
9:00 pm FHS Varsity Swimming: v Mansfield 12-16-21 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf     

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Community Preservation Committee - Jan 4, 2022 - Agenda - Public Hearing

Community Preservation Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 4, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes

2. Public Hearing #1:

a. Citizens hearing for ideas, questions or proposals on how to use the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to incorporate into the CPA Plan. 

Agenda doc with remote connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-01-04_cpc_agenda_-_hearing_1.pdf

Public hearing announcement
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/community-preservation-act-public.html

Audio discussion with three members in advance of the public hearings

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/conversation-on-community-preservation.html

Conversation on the Community Preservation Public Hearings - Jan 4/Jan 18 (audio)