Wednesday, February 19, 2020

FYHA creates Coach Leo McGee Memorial Scholarship

"FYHA is pleased to announce the creation of the Coach Leo McGee Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a graduating Franklin High School senior who is part of either the boys or girls hockey program.

The recipient will embody what Coach Leo was to FYHA: an unsung hero with a selfless attitude; a committed leader on and off the ice; and someone willing to help anyone, at any time

It is our hope that this award will keep Coach Leo's legacy a constant source of inspiration within the youth hockey community.

We are working with Coach Sarno and Coach Burke to identify the candidates for consideration this year. He/she can be a rostered player or someone who is involved in another capacity (e.g. a team manager or student assistant).

The recipient will be announced at FHS’ Awards Night in May. 

If you are interested in contributing to the scholarship fund, tax deductible donations can be made via check and mailed to FYHA (see address below). 

Please put “Coach Leo Scholarship” in the memo line.
Mailing Address:
FYHA
P.O. Box 71
Franklin, MA 02038"



This was shared from the Twitter thread:

https://twitter.com/FYHockey/status/1229929644209713154?s=20
https://twitter.com/FYHockey/status/1229930248579538944?s=20
https://twitter.com/FYHockey/status/1229930397976403969?s=20
https://twitter.com/FYHockey/status/1229930724356214785?s=20
https://twitter.com/FYHockey/status/1229931195225473025?s=20
https://twitter.com/FYHockey/status/1229931392999608321?s=20

FHS' Woelfel, Rudolph, and Lupien at State Individual meet - Feb 17

Catching up to share the performance info for FHS gymnasts who performed at the State Individual meet on Monday, Feb 17. Video clips from the @fhs_gymnastics are displayed here via Twitter:


L-R  @CarolineWoelfel @katerudolph17_  @lexilupien
L-R  @CarolineWoelfel @katerudolph17_  @lexilupien

https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1229436016198668288?s=20

https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1229436016198668288?s=20













The Twitter links:

https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1229436016198668288?s=20

https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1229590881595985921?s=20

https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1229590821663576066?s=20

https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1229592288571133952?s=20

https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1229593875850973184?s=20

https://twitter.com/KatCornetta/status/1229498856867581952?s=20

https://twitter.com/KatCornetta/status/1229519180313120769?s=20

Attention Veterans: Accessing Urgent Care


U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

ACCESSING URGENT CARE

VA offers eligible veterans an urgent care benefit for the treatment of minor injuries and illnesses at retail and urgent care providers who are part of VA's contracted network. The urgent care benefit is offered to Veterans in addition to urgent care and same-day services VA provides through its medical facilities.

What type of care do urgent care providers provide?

Urgent care providers treat injuries and illnesses that require immediate attention but are not life-threatening, such as influenza, minor burns and skin infections.

Am I eligible for urgent care?

To be eligible for the urgent care benefit, you must (1) be enrolled in the VA healthcare system and (2) have received care through VA, from either a VA or community provider within the last 24 months.

How do I access urgent care?

If you're eligible, look up the nearest urgent care provider in VA's contracted network by using the VA's facility locator at: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/ and click on the link entitled "Find VA-approved urgent care locations and pharmacies near you." You can also call your local VA medical facility to find an in-network urgent care provider.

What do I do when I arrive?

Tell the urgent care provider you would like to use your VA urgent care benefit and confirm that they are part of VA's network. They will confirm your eligibility for the benefit. If there is an issue verifying your eligibility, call 1-833-4VETNOW (1-833-483-8669) or your local VA medical facility for assistance.

Will I have to pay any fees and/or co-payments out-of-pocket?

You may be charged a co-payment that is different from other VA medical co-payments.

Co-payments depend on your assigned priority group and the number of times you visit an urgent care provider in a calendar year. There is no limit on the number of times you can access urgent care.

Co-payments are NOT paid out-of-pocket at the time you receive care - they are billed separately by VA.

Can I use urgent care as a replacement for my primary care needs?

No. Urgent care is not a replacement for preventive health care or management of chronic and/or complex health conditions. You should work with your primary care provider for this type of care. If you go to an urgent care provider and receive non-covered services, you are responsible for the full cost of care.

Is urgent care prescription medication covered by VA?

VA will pay for or fill prescriptions resulting from your urgent care visit. Urgent care prescriptions for medication longer than a 14-day supply must be sent to VA to be filled. You can fill a 14-day supply of medication written by an urgent care provider at (1) a contracted pharmacy within the VA network, (2) a non-contracted pharmacy that is not part of the VA network, or (3) directly at VA. If a non-contracted pharmacy is used, you must pay for the prescription and then file a claim for reimbursement with your local VA medical facility.

Do I have to pay a co-payment for urgent care prescription medication?

You may be required to pay a co-payment for medication. These will be billed separately to you by VA as part of VA's normal billing process.

Does VA reimburse beneficiary travel for an urgent care visit?

VA reimburses beneficiary travel (BT) for eligible Veterans who must travel to receive community care. Payment is made for the distance to either the nearest VA or community medical facility that could have provided the care or services.

How do I find a VA medical facility?

Use VA's facility locator at: https://www.va.gov/find locations/

How do I find an in-network pharmacy?

Use VA's facility locator at: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/ and click on the VA-approved urgent care locations and pharmacies near you.

What services are covered?

Find a list of services at: https://www.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/Urgent_Care.asp

Shared from the Town of Franklin page 
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/accessing-urgent-care
  

Attention Veterans: Accessing Urgent Care
Attention Veterans: Accessing Urgent Care

Ask Franklin Matters: You ask the question, we'll get the answer!

New form to "Ask Franklin Matters" a question about the Town of Franklin. You ask the question, we'll get the answer!

Some of the questions may get queued for the regular Franklin Matters Radio show with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.



** Anonymous questions are NOT likely to be answered **



Ask Franklin Matters
Ask Franklin Matters: You ask the question, we'll get the answer!


Town Council - Rep Roy - Office Hours - Feb 20 - 8:30 AM

1
Town Council Office Hours
Franklin Senior Center
10 Daniel McCahill Road, Franklin, MA
Third Thursday/Monthly 8:30 AM

The Town Council will be holding monthly office hours at the Franklin Senior Center. One or more Councilors, along with the Town Administration, ​may​ be present for this standing time for seniors, their families and residents to ask questions, discuss issues of concern or just enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee!

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/2020_town_council_senior_center_monthly_hours.pdf
 


 Representative Jeff Roy
Franklin Office Hours
Franklin Senior Center
10 Daniel McCahill Road, Franklin, MA
Third Thursday/Monthly 8:30 AM

Have any questions or concerns about your state government? Please join me at office hours!

All office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to my attention. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary. James Gay, my staff director, will be accompanying me.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Follow the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/181589206267181/

Town Council - Rep Roy - Office Hours - Feb 20 - 8:30 AM
Town Council - Rep Roy - Office Hours - Feb 20 - 8:30 AM

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 208 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

During the Town Administrator’s Report segment of the Town Council meeting, Feb 12, 2020, there was a good piece of news. Municipal aggregation is finally here with a good deal.

What is municipal aggregation?
“It seeks to aggregate consumers in the Town to negotiate rates for power supply. It brings together the buying power of over 32,000 consumers. Furthermore, the Town seeks to better manage energy prices.

Participation is voluntary for each eligible consumer. Eligible consumers have the opportunity to decline service provided through the Plan and to choose any Competitive Supplier they wish.“
On your electric bill, there are two sections, one for delivery services, and one for the cost of the electricity itself. With aggregation, Franklin has just signed a contract to deliver electricity at a cost of only 10.5 cents for three years. This is one, an improvement over the current rate (around .14 cents) and two, confirms the rate for three years.

This is a good deal. More will be forthcoming on this as we get closer to Sep/Oct 2020. There will be additional information shared, info on how to opt out (accepting a rate other than the 10.5 cents confirmed for three years), etc.

Let’s listen to Jamie Hellen talk about the municipal aggregation deal at the Town Council meeting.

Additional info will be provided at the Town Council meeting on March 4, 2020.

Links to the archives for prior posts on municipal aggregation which was initially approved by the Town Council in 2016 are provided in the show notes


Audio file  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d8099baa-7dc9-49c7-b55a-cfdb619a52d2



From the archives:

Aggregation Plan released for Town Council meeting review and discussion
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

Link to Municipal Aggregation docs on Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation-documents

Embedded copy:




From the Town Council meeting where this was approved
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

Aggregation Presentation doc - March 9, 2016
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-community-choice-aggregation-program




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

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?
  • 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 or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation
FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation

FM #207 - Technology Director Tim Rapoza - Feb 11, 2020 (audio)

FM #207

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 207 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

At the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Feb 11, 2020, Technology Director Tim Rapoza presented a detailed overview of how his department supports and enables all of Franklin’s technology needs (both Town and schools).

Of all the updates on Technology that I have seen over my years of reporting, this is the most comprehensive and easily the most up to date as it contains all the current numbers.

When you stop to think about it, the Town of Franklin is really a service organization. Yes, it is a government entity with Town and School separation on some items (one of the key collaboration points is technology).

The Town exists to provide services to its residents: education, fire protection, police and other emergency response, roads maintained and plowed, recreation, library, senior services... The list is extensive.

These services are delivered all or in part with technology. How is it done? Let’s listen to Tim explain. The recording includes the Q&A with the School Committee and runs approx. 62 minutes.

School Committee Chair Anne Bergen introduces the agenda item. Superintendent Sara Ahern provides a more detailed intro and overview while Tim set up his laptop.

Links to the Town of Franklin Technology page and to the presentation document are included in the show notes so you can follow along.

Technology page:  https://www.franklinps.net/district/educational-technology

Presentation doc link: https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/technology-presentation-2112020

Presentation doc:



https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HsQxnhgX




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?
  • 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 or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #207 - Technology Director Tim Raposa - Feb 11, 2020 (audio)
FM #207 - Technology Director Tim Rapoza - Feb 11, 2020 (audio)