Thursday, September 26, 2019

Consumer Alerts: Using Match.com? Read this




Using Match.com? Read this
by Rosario Méndez, Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC

Online dating sites are a common way people seek romance. But what if, instead of a potential match, you find a scammer? 

Today, the FTC announced a lawsuit against Match.com, challenging several of Match's business practices, including ones that the FTC says exposed customers to romance scammers.


https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/09/using-matchcom-read?utm_source=govdelivery
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/09/using-matchcom-read?utm_source=govdelivery

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/09/using-matchcom-read?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Public Health Advisory September 24, 2019 - EEE

"As everyone is aware, the summer and early fall of 2019 has been an exceptionally severe year for mosquito-borne illness; specifically, eastern equine encephalitis. Although EEE activity is historically focused in Bristol and Plymouth counties, this dangerous virus has spread throughout the commonwealth into areas not typically impacted. A combination of wet weather and extreme heat has resulted in a high level of virus amplification in the environment. As a result, there have been 10 human cases of EEE with 3 fatalities to date.

In response, the Massachusetts department of public health began aerial spraying in Bristol and Plymouth counties in August and September. Additional aerial spraying was also conducted in Norfolk, Middlesex, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester counties in September. The town of Franklin was sprayed in its entirety on September 11, 2019. The combination of aerial and ground spraying, along with decreasing evening temperatures have reduced mosquito numbers; however, the threat will remain until the first hard frost of the season. A hard frost is defined as a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 consecutive hours, or a temperature of 28 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 consecutive hours.

Although the threat has been diminished somewhat, it is very important for residents to continue to take all steps necessary to avoid mosquito bites until the first hard frost occurs sometime in mid to late October. Please continue to use a repellent containing Deet, wear long sleeves shirts and long pants when outdoors. If possible, avoid being outside during peak mosquito biting times between dusk and dawn.

It is not unusual for areas to experience elevated EEE virus levels in consecutive years. As such, residents should be fully prepared to respond appropriately next summer as well."

David E. McKearney, R.S. 
Public Health Director 
Franklin Health Department


This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/public-health-advisory-september-24-2019

There is additional spraying via helicopter scheduled for Sep 25 as announced in the file here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/norfolk_county-_aerial_larvicide_application.pdf



Pet Blessing, Outdoor Worship, and Picnic on Franklin Common - Oct 6

Pet Blessing, Outdoor Worship, and Picnic on Franklin Common in honor of St Francis of Assisi scheduled for October 6 from 11 AM - 1 PM

Bring your furry friend(s) for a blessing. 
Bring a dish for the potluck. 
Or just show up and meet Ben Franklin, FDP's adorable new Therapy Dog. 
Invite your friends and neighbors! 

Sponsored by St John's Episcopal Church  www.StJohnsFranklinMA.org


Pet Blessing, Outdoor Worship, and Picnic on Franklin Common - Oct 6
Pet Blessing, Outdoor Worship, and Picnic on Franklin Common - Oct 6

FHS golf, boys and girls cross country, girls soccer, and volleyball teams posts wins

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Tuesday, Sep 24, 2019

Golf = Attleboro, 180 @ Franklin, 161 – Final
– Franklin’s Jack Paterson was the lone golfer to shoot under 40 in the match, earning medalist honors with a 38 to help the Panthers earn a win. Quinten Faro and Jack MacKinnon each shot a 40 while Pat Dolan added a round of 43. Jack Handy led Attleboro with a 43 while Brian Houle added a 45.

Girls Cross Country = Mansfield, 37 @ Franklin, 21 – Final
– Mansfield had the first runner cross the line but Franklin had the next four to earn a win at home. Captains Sarah Giuliano and Sidney Hawkins took second and third, respectively for the Panthers while Caitlin Casey was fourth, Charlene Peng crossed fifth, and Lily Duffy was seventh overall. Mansfield’s Tessa Lancaster won the race in 20:38.

Results: 1. Tessa Lancaster, Mans (20:38) 2. Sarah Giuliano, Frank 3. Sidney Hawkins, Frank 4. Caitlin Casey, Frank 5. Charlene Peng, Frank 6. Emma Lamson, Mans (22:26) 7. Lily Duffy, Frank 8. Anne Riley, Mans (23:04) 10. Jess Alestock, Mans (23:26)

Boys Cross Country = Mansfield, 31 @ Franklin, 24 – Final 
– Franklin had the first two runners cross the finish line, and four of the top six, to pick up a win over visiting Mansfield. Senior Tyler Brogan won the race in 16:54 with junior Nicholas Calitri shortly behind for second place (16:59).

Results: 1. Tyler Brogan, Frank (16:54) 2. Nicholas Calitri, Frank (16:59) 5. Camden Harrington, Frank (17:37) 6. Declan Walmsley, Frank (17:56) 10. Clancy Golden, Frank (18:16).

Volleyball = North Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 3 – Final
– North Attleboro picked up a win in the third set to keep the match going but Franklin finished off the win in the fourth set to grab a 3-1 (25-15, 25-11, 20-25, 25-17) victory on the road. Allyson Bonnet-Eymard had a great game for the Panthers, slamming down 18 kills while sophomore Cailyn Mackintosh dished out 32 assists in the win. Grace Munley had seven kills for North while Eliza Dion added eight digs.

Girls Soccer = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 2 – Final
– The Panthers made their possession count in the second half with a pair of goals to seal a league win. Erin Quaile opened the scoring midway through the second half and Sydney St. Marie added the second from the spot inside the final 10 minutes. Taunton goalie Grace Pimenta kept the Tigers in the game with numerous saves. Breanna Atwood made four saves to keep a clean sheet.

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 2 @ Taunton, 2 – Final
Ryan Lanigan, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:
"Holding a two-goal lead in the second half on Tuesday afternoon’s contest on the road at Taunton, the Franklin boys soccer team came close to padding its lead and securing two points.

But the Panthers were unable to find the back of the net again, leaving the door open for the hosts.

The Taunton boys soccer team took full advantage, scoring a pair of goals in the final 20 minutes of play to steal a point in a 2-2 draw.

“This is a great tie for us,” said Taunton coach Taylor Whitters. “We’ve been struggling a little bit with some finishing and hustling, and in the second half they showed what they are capable of, and they are capable of a lot. They were great teammates today and they worked hard, and going forward that’s what we need to keep doing.”
Continue reading the game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/taunton-boys-soccer-rallies-draw-franklin/

For a photo gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Fall-2019/Taunton-Franklin-Boys-Soccer-09-24-19

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-24-19/

Taunton senior Alec Nunes takes a shot that found the back of the net for the Tigers’ first goal against Franklin. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Taunton senior Alec Nunes takes a shot that found the back of the net for the Tigers’ first goal against Franklin. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

MassDOT: Rt 140 Road Construction Status Update

Rt 140 Road Construction Status Update

9/24/19

The Town had received many inquiries as to when the road work will be completed on State Highway Route 140 at the Exit 17 off ramp intersection. The Town has contacted the state to receive this update.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is anticipating completion of paving Rt 140 by the end of this week or early next week, weather dependent.

The pavement will need to cure for 3 days before painting and striping. Once the pavement has been striped, paving of Apron/Entrances will commence.

The state is looking at completing the entire project within roughly two weeks. 



This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/rt-140-road-construction-status-update


Higher Education Committee Embarks on Public Campus Tours

Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) and Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer), co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, begin a mission on this week to visit all 29 public colleges and universities in the commonwealth. The tour is set for every Friday starting in North Adams on September 27 and continuing until every campus has been visited.

The Higher Education Committee will be visiting each campus to get a first-hand look at the facilities, meet with faculty and administrators, and hear from students about their experiences. The tours will include meetings with campus leaders, faculty, staff, and students at each of the institutions.

"It's ambitious, but when appointed to chair this committee, one of the very first things I did was to print out a map of the 29 public institutions in the Commonwealth to plan the trip," said Representative Roy. "We want to experience what life is like on these campuses which should provide a better context for the budget and legislative decisions we make. And the tours will provide an up close and personal view of each campus to give us a better perspective on the issues faced by those in each academic community."

Senator Gobi remarked, "I look forward to visiting each campus and having the opportunity to meet with students, faculty, and staff. I am aware that there are several deficiencies within higher education, funding being one, and I expect that these visits will help myself and the committee members to find ways that we can be most helpful and propel us forward."

The tours will also include the members of the Higher Education Committee, as well as the area legislators. The Committee will have an opportunity to see what has been done on each campus, and see what remains to be done to ensure that students have an engaging learning environment which will not only ensure their success, but wi1l contribute to the success of the Commonwealth as well.

The tentative tour schedule through the end of October is as follows: 
  • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 (START: TIME 9:30 A.M.):
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts - 375 Church Street, North Adams, MA
Berkshire Community College - 1350 West Street, Pittsfield, MA

  • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 (START TIME: 9:30 A.M.):
University of Massachusetts Amherst - 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Amherst, MA 
Greenfield Community College - One College Drive, Greenfield, MA

  • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 (START TIME: 9:30 A.M.):
Salem State University - 352 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA
North Shore Community College - One Femcroft Road, Danvers, MA

  • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 (START TIME: 9:30 A.M.):
Fitchburg State University - 160 Pearl Street, Fitchburg, MA
Mount Wachusett Community College - 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA


Additional info on the Joint Committee on Higher Education 
https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/J29

Joint Committee on Higher Education
Joint Committee on Higher Education

Charlie Baker Nine-Foot Puppet Comes To Franklin

On Thursday, September 26, at 10:00 AM, a group of climate activists and supporters from Franklin and surrounding towns, will gather at 541 West Central St. (Route 140) in front of Dunkin' Donuts with a nine-foot puppet of Governor Charlie Baker. The hour-long event is part of the Charlie's Climate Catastrophe Tour happening around the state organized by 350 Massachusetts, a statewide network of climate activists. The public is invited.

Carolyn Barthel, Coordinator of the 350 Mass Greater Franklin node, said, “Despite the disastrous Merrimack Valley explosions a year ago in which over 80 homes were damaged or destroyed and one person killed by gas line explosions, Charlie Baker continues to push new gas infrastructure in the state, including the dangerous Weymouth compressor station project. We must reduce our carbon emissions by stopping new gas infrastructure projects and transitioning from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources like solar and wind.”

The West Central location for the September 26 demonstration was chosen because it is the site of just one of 71 detected gas leaks in Franklin. Consumers pay for these gas leaks, not only monetarily in their gas bills, but in our atmosphere, adding to our growing climate crisis.

350 Mass is also sponsoring Thursday, October 17, 7:00-9:00 PM, with the Massachusetts Climate Action Network and the Franklin Democratic Town Committee a two-hour educational presentation, “Franklin 2050: The Climate Crisis” at the Franklin Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond Street, Franklin. It features a short video narrated by Morgan Freeman and three speakers to talk about the causes, the effects and what we can do about the climate crisis. The public is invited.

For more detailed information, go to “Franklin 2050: The Climate Crisis”
at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-2050-the-climate-crisis-tickets-65325208457


Franklin alone has 71 detected gas leaks!
 
Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis
Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis

"Gov. Baker declares 4-month ban on vaping products"

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

"Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced a four-month ban on the sale of all vaping products in Massachusetts.

Baker made the announcement at a press conference where he said he was declaring a public health emergency in connection with vaping-related lung illnesses. Hundreds of cases of the illness have been reported nationwide and Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel has already ordered all cases to be reported to the Department of Public Health for the next year.

“We as a commonwealth need to pause sales in order for our medical experts to collect more information about what is driving these life-threatening vaping-related illnesses,” Baker said.
The temporary ban will apply to flavored and non-flavored vaping products, Baker said, in retail stores and online. The ban applies to all vaping products and devices, including tobacco and marijuana. It takes effect immediately."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190924/businesses-and-users-react-after-gov-baker-declares-4-month-ban-on-vaping-products


Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Live reporting: Discussion Only items through to Closing

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Revised FY20 Budget
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/revised-budget

this is a tiny bit of money and not 'found money'

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports 
Budget
prepared a 5 year projection for review
budget issues for community sharing

Community Relations
soccer field Sep 28 at 9:00 AM at Dacey Fields
to be where the community is on Saturday

also at the Harvest Festival Oct 5 (noon to 5:00 PM)

Oct 21 - Social Media Panel at FHS 6:30 to 8:30 PM
parents and children and impact it has on our lives
library media center at FHS

newsletter should be out next week

Policy
meeting again, Oct 24 getting to the last B policies

Public Schools Advocacy, MASC
legislative Forum next Feb, date TBD
resolutions for the MASC conference to be reviewed Oct 15

b. School Committee Liaison Reports
Joint PCC
earmarked funds from State budget to support vaping work
Gov Baker issued a 4 month ban on vaping products due to the health risks

Substance Abuse Task Force
vaping diversion developed at high school level being reworked for middle school

School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]


6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items
expecting to hear from advisors/students on the high school summer trip
2 year NEASC update report in progress
MASC resolutions for review


7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 10, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the September 10, 2019 School Committee meeting to be released as detailed.
c. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,560.50 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.
d. Remington Middle School Trip
I recommend approval of the request to take the RMS Adventure Club to Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH for a recurring field trip on October 19, 2019 as detailed.
e. Budget Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

motion to approve, seconded. passed 7-0

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence


12. Adjournment

motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 7-0

The documents released for this meeting can be found on the School District page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-24-2019-school-committee-packet  Additional documents will be added to this page post meeting (generally during the business day after the meeting)

Live reporting: Discussion/Action items

Return to open meeting from Executive Session  (8:33 PM)

motion to ratify and approve MOA with 
7-0 via roll call  

3. Discussion / Action Items
  • a. Elementary School Improvement Plans
I recommend approval of the 19-20 School Improvement Plans for Davis Thayer, Jefferson, Keller, Kennedy, Oak Street and Parmenter Elementary Schools and ECDC as presented and discussed.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0 (move to action while elementary principals were still in the meeting)

  • b. Policy – First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading at the next School Committee meeting as discussed:
  • BEDB – Order of Business 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/current-bedb
  • BEDH – Public Participation
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/current-bedh


motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 7-0





The documents released for this meeting can be found on the School District page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-24-2019-school-committee-packet  


Additional documents will be added to this page post meeting (generally during the business day after the meeting)

Live reporting: School Start Times Update

b. School Start Times Update – Dr. Ahern

part II of the update, part I was done earlier this calendar year after the Advisory Committee completed their work

student and issue of sleep came to our attention, should not lose sight of



"I would suggest that we pause on its consideration of start time changes across all schools. However, we NEED to continue to address the health of children including sleep."

there will be challenges with the FY 2021 budget, attention needs to be paid there
comprehensive closing study of Davis Thayer requires attention
all collective bargaining agreements are up for renewal this year

MetroWest survey data just came out to say sleep is not increasing among our students

What will be a measure of success for this yet? A return to 2016? or ??
I would be curious to see what other surveys are reporting

current start and end times changes were to meet current contractual requirements and NOT in any relationship to school start times

Linden - there may be members in the community who won't like the idea of pausing. Start times and sleep deprivation is damaging, our district is damaging your children. There is too much tardiness and absenteeism. I deeply disappointed in this decision.

MJ - the pause will not make this go away

Tim Keenan - appreciation for the work done previously, and to Dr Ahern for her answers, I have done a lot of reading and an author of the key studies. I actually got responses. There is a different between sleep research and start time research. There is nothing compelling about start time. The Sleep research is compelling.

Suggestion to come to the Nov meeting on Sleep

Wants to get to a research article that is compelling on Start Time and have a dialog on it.

Feeley - thanks for the summary

Bergen - there are other issues that are in-front of us that we need to deal with
others who have changed recently have taken time to do it right before making the change

Zub - I think it is the right thing to do, there is no right answer, we want to the the best thing for our students. It may be interesting to see if anything is done at the state, California has one on the governor's desk.


11. Executive Session
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the ESP/LPN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
motion to go to executive session, seconded, passed 7-0


Live reporting: Elementary School Improvement Plans - school year 2019-2020


2. Guests / Presentations a. ECDC and Elementary Schools – School Improvement Plans
Kelty Kelly, early childhood education 
SEL committee rebooting implementation plans for 'cozy corner' or 'green zones'
added physical development aspects to revision on their report card
what the children should be doing and where they are at the moment

develop a playgroup for parents of children with early intervention (EI) transition process (covered by Federal law for the families in the home through age 3, then covered by schools)

using community garden to help infuse science into the classroom
developing an FEF grant proposal for children with mobility issues
team committed to work developing use of large touch screens effectively in the classroom

2nd year with school council
working on core values, survey to last year and this year, as well as staff

exploring a relationship with Dean College on a new bachelor program in early education

clarification on EI (expanded above)

what is digital literacy for preschool students? that is what they want to explore, use of short video clips integrated into the classwork and enrichment of the material

"all children can"
all the ECDC teachers are special educators

(photo of principals to be added later)
(group presentation document not available tonight, to be shared when available later)

new homework guidelines
professional development opportunities (understanding by design or UbD)

reviewing current special ed practices to ensure meeting needs of students
implement a continuum of enrichment and interventions

2-way communication to further enhance engagement with the schools community and community in general
create clear focus areas for school councils

clarification homework policy, not a change, just spreading the word

passion project tapping into the students interest with a formal structure

are the schools working independently how is the sharing working?
some schools at different stages but the goal is to develop and share across
want to ensure the lessons are complete and vetted before sharing across

are you keeping baseline data on interventions to see what works 

The documents released for this meeting can be found on the School District page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-24-2019-school-committee-packet  Additional documents will be added to this page post meeting (generally during the business day after the meeting)


 

Live reporting: School Committee - Sep 24, 2019

Present: Feeley, Linden, Douglas, Scofield, Bergen, Schultz, Zub
Absent: none


1. Routine Business

a. Review of Agenda
no adjustments

b. Citizen’s Comments
i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH
c. FHS Student Representative Comments
none this evening

d. Superintendent’s Report

MCAS results just announced
the full district results will be annouced later
Kennedy - for exceeding their targets
Davis Thayer - from high growth measures

strong results across the district, more details later this fall

Student Opportunity Act in the news
multiple proposals about education review and funding revisions
House and Senate joint committee issued their report
looking to establish a 21st century trust fund
accountability measures built in to the proposal

still early goes to Senate first, then House before possibly getting to the Governor for signature
minimal aid, circuit breaker could be a positive impact (addition of transportation for Special Ed)
charter tuition reimbursement, competitive grants available

preview professional development, half day on Friday
staff work directly connected to goals on the school improvement plans
relationship building and social emotional learning

apology to the high school families
a phone call went out at 6 AM instead of the intended scheduled for 6 PM
an accident and a simple mistake, re-looking at communications guidelines


The documents released for this meeting can be found on the School District page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-24-2019-school-committee-packet  Additional documents will be added to this page post meeting (generally during the business day after the meeting)

The audio and presentation copy for GTE Franklin LLC Community Forum

The audio and presentation copy for GTE Franklin LLC Community Forum held at the Franklin Senior Center on Thursday, Sep 19, 2019. The event was hosted by the SAFE Coalition.

GTE Franklin LLC is the company with a proposal to sell recreational cannabis from Franklin at a location along RT 140 within the area zoned for recreational sale. The application is working its way through the State Cannabis Control Commission process as well the Franklin Planning Board. 

Jennifer Knight, President of the SAFE Coalition, closes out the session with an invitation to continue the conversation, ask questions, etc. GTE Franklin LLC can be scheduled for another session. The owners are committed to answering the communities questions. Follow up questions can be sent to gtefranklin@gmail.com


The presentation document:



The audio file:

FM #171

This internet radio show or podcast is number 171 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Community Forum hosted by SAFE Coalition at the Franklin Senior Center on Thursday, Sep 19, 2019. Jennifer Knight, President of the SAFE Coalition, closes out the session with an invitation to continue the conversation, ask questions, etc. GTE Franklin LLC can be scheduled for another session.

The presentation document can be found in the show notes.

Without further ado, here is the audio recording including some of the Q&A session following the presentation (approx 1hour and 20 minutes).





-------------

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

Overall:
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
  • If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes
subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes



"By the end of the week, the state will have 28 open recreational marijuana stores"

From the Boston Globe, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Two recreational marijuana shops are opening in Massachusetts this week, adding to the adult-use pot options for consumers in central Massachusetts.

Gage Cannabis Co. in Ayer and Nature’s Remedy of Massachusetts in Millbury each received “commence operations” notices from the state Cannabis Control Commission last week, allowing them to open within three calendar days.

Gage opened Monday, and Nature’s Remedy plans to open Friday.

By the end of the week, the state will have 28 open recreational marijuana stores."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/marijuana/2019/09/23/here-what-know-about-two-pot-shops-opening-mass-this-week/eVl9RjQpMoQPnNW1MSACsL/story.html

The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) webpage has more info on the application process. The retail operation currently in the application process at the State level and working through the Planning Board for Franklin would be about the 100th by the time it opens.

The CCC has information on the number of applications, by type, by location that you can query  https://opendata.mass-cannabis-control.com/stories/s/Applications-and-Licenses/eteq-dp5h

"By the end of the week, the state will have 28 open recreational marijuana stores"
"By the end of the week, the state will have 28 open recreational marijuana stores"