Hockomock YMCA: Health Preparedness Update (COVID-19)

MEMBER UPDATE HEALTH PREPAREDNESS AT OUR Y  Dear Franklin, As a follow-up to our communication on Wednesday, our YMCA continues to closely monitor the current public health updates regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The CDC and our local boards of health continue to advise businesses and institutions that taking steps to slow the spread of the Coronavirus will contribute to the public health response to the outbreak.    Updates: We are promoting social distancing: Following the strong recommendations from the CDC and state and local agencies we are putting social distancing protocols in place in our fitness centers with select fitness equipment.  Limited group exercise attendance: Group fitness classes will be limited to 20 per class. Group cycle classes will be limited to 10 per class. You may reserve your spot in class 24 hours in advance by calling your branch's Member Service Desk.  Our Prescription for a Healthy Lifestyle programs such as LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, MS Wellness and Diabetes Prevention Program will be postponed until further notice. Pool or party rental reservations will be suspended until further notice. All Y events with 100 people or more will be cancelled or re-scheduled until further notice. Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting continues to be our focus every day to protect the health and safety of our community. Program and classes are running as scheduled. This is a fast-moving situation and one that we continue to assess daily. We pledge to share information with members and staff as information and decisions are made. Facility signage has increased throughout our facilities and program areas, encouraging people to wash hands, clean equipment and not enter our facilities if experiencing respiratory or flu like symptoms. Branch access is limited: Until further notice no guest passes will be sold. For further information, we encourage you to visit the following websites: Center for Disease Control & Prevention Mass.gov State Information YMCA Health Preparedness We continue to monitor this rapidly evolving health crisis and will continue to update you as more information, resources or guidance becomes available. We appreciate everyone's support as we strive to protect the health & safety of our YMCA community and work together in the days ahead. Sincerely, Ed Hurley President HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA ed@hockymca.org 508-643-5230 hockymca.org HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA | Foxboro, Franklin, North Attleboro, Mansfield, MA

Tom Paxton Concert Cancellation & COVID-19 Update

TOM PAXTON CONCERT CANCELLATION & COVID-19 UPDATE

For the health and safety of our audience, performers and volunteers, the scheduled performance by Tom Paxton and The Don Juans on Friday, March 20 has been cancelled. We and the performers share the concerns that many of you have in this very uncertain time, and we are taking all reasonable precautions to help stem the tide of this virus. We regret having to make this decision, but the health and safety of all of you, our supporters, takes precedence over all other considerations. Ticket refunds will be issued today or tomorrow for all tickets already purchased.

It is likely that Tom Paxton & The Don Juans will be rescheduled for this coming September. We will let everyone know as soon as a decision is made.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic is still unfolding, we can't predict what will happen with other future concerts. We very much appreciate your support of our concert series, and will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed of any future changes. We wish everyone good health.

OTHER SHOWS IN THE 2019-2020 SEASON

AT OCC COFFEEHOUSE: Tickets are now available for all shows on the website. All shows are general admission seating, so arrive early for good seats.

** Saturday, April 25, 2020, Aztec Two-Step 2.0, featuring Rex Fowler, Dodie Pettit & Friends. Now that Neal Shulman has retired, Rex continues on, recapturing the sound of the duo's original studio recordings.

** Sunday, May 24, 2020, Ted Vigil, John Denver Tribute. Ted is an award-winning singer, songwriter and tribute artist. He performs internationally, and wows the crowd, selling out theatres everywhere. A typical comment is "I can't believe how much he looks and sounds like John Dever."

Tom Paxton Concert Cancellation & COVID-19 Update

"doing their best to make Franklin a place worth living"

Alan Earls writes about Tom McDermott of of the former Clark, Cutler, & McDermott company.

"Last summer, a long-time Franklin resident Tom McDermott, passed away.

Aside from an obituary posted online and in the newspaper, there was scarcely a stir. But there should have been.

For more than a century, Tom and his family – his grandfather, father and his sons – ran Clark, Cutler & McDermott in Franklin in the gritty and unglamorous non-woven (e.g. felt) textile industry. From the company’s first products back in 1911 -- horse blankets -- to the recent past when sudden business reversals led the company to seek bankruptcy protection, and when its products had become part of a global supply chain in the automotive industry, the company was innovative and feisty. It survived and prospered despite global competition, the high cost of doing business in Massachusetts, and changing markets.

Above all, though, CCMcD was all about Franklin."

Continue reading the article online
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200313/guest-speaker-paying-tribute-to-tom-mcdermott

"proposed new zone called Mixed Business Innovation (MBI)"

Coronavirus Information Portal - multiple updates

Letter from Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern regarding Coronavirus
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/files/memo-ta-superintendent

* Residents please be informed that the over 1.3 Million square feet of municipal facilities (ie. Schools, Town Hall Building, etc.) are being sprayed every weekend with commercial grade disinfectant to help mitigate the spread of germs. This practice will continue for the foreseeable future.

The Town of Franklin is keeping up to date with the latest information related to the novel Coronavirus as it becomes available. This site will be updated regularly with information from State and Federal agencies. Please check back frequently.

The Town of Franklin will be cleaning and sanitizing all public buildings every weekend. There are many things you can do to prevent the transmission of COVID - 19 and other of viruses. Please follow the tips found here:

1. Keep a distance of 6 feet from people, especially individuals who are showing signs and symptoms of upper respiratory infection
2. Keep a small bottle of alcohol based (60%) hand sanitizer for travel. Rub over entire hands until hands are dry.
3. Wash hands with warm or hot water and soap for 20 seconds.
4. Try as hard as possible to not touch eyes, ears, nose, mouth, especially if you one has not washed hands recently.
5. Sneeze or cough into a tissue, discard tissue and wash hands thoroughly.

The following links provide up-to-date information regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

Center for Disease Control (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html



Best Practices for Prevention and Treatment 
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

Steps to prevent illness
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

Messages from Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern (March 8th, Feb 28th)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus


Franklin Police Response to COVID-19 (March 13, 2020)
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/2020-franklin-police-response-covid-19

Senior Center/Council on Aging COVID1-19 update (March 10, 2020)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/cvupdate.pdf

How to clean your smartphone (and other computer hardware)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/educational-technology/files/how-clean-your-smartphone-and-other-computer-hardware

Please follow this link for information from Monica Bharel MD MPH, Commissioner of the Department of Health: https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/corona-virus-information

 

Coronavirus Information Portal

Updates on coronavirus (COVID-19) from Senior Center, Franklin Police, Representative Roy, and Senator Spilka

• Senior Center Cancellation of Events and Activities

"As older adults and those with chronic medical conditions are the most vulnerable population with regard to the COVlD-19 outbreak, we will be cancelling most of our events and activities to reduce the risk of infection at the Franklin Senior Center for the next two weeks and possibly longer should conditions warrant. Our goal is to take all possible measures to prevent illness in older adults who attend the Senior Center, while maintaining activities that do not put participants at risk for exposure."

Read the full text including what services will still be offered mostly via appoint or phone  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/alerts/scclosing.pdf

• Franklin Police

Dear Residents, Businesses, and Visitors to the Town of Franklin,

As Chief of Police I have enacted several new policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While many of these are internal and deal with how officers will continue to work and provide public safety, there are a few which the public should be aware of. These are effective immediately and will continue until further notice.

Effective March 10, 2020, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared a state of emergency and has urged other agencies to take action to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. As a police department, it is impossible for our employees to cut off all contact with the public, and because our role in the community is so vital, we must respond to this situation with some changes. In response to the state of emergency, and to protect the members of the Department and the public, the Franklin Police Department will implement the following changes until further notice.

Read the full text including what protocols were changed
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/2020-franklin-police-response-covid-19

• Representative Roy

I know there are many concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and I appreciate all of the calls and messages I have received over the last few days. New information is coming out regularly so please check the special state website for latest updates at https://www.mass.gov/covid19. In the meantime, here is the latest info I have:

Read the full text from Rep Roy
https://mailchi.mp/8562866a70a2/ux2l17im8a-2477749

• Senate President Karen Spilka

Greetings,

I am writing to you to provide information and resources about coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, in Massachusetts. This is a rapidly-evolving situation, and I know that there is a level of uncertainty in our communities. I can assure you, however, that I am working closely with state and local leaders to take steps to address the public health, economic and civic impacts of this pandemic.

I have added a page to my website, Coronavirus Updates, that I will keep updated with the latest information. Please feel free to bookmark it and check it often for the latest updates and guidance.

Senator Spilka's update page
https://karenspilka.com/updates/2020/3/13/covid-19-updates

• The joint memo from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Sara Ahern

Based on the evolving conditions associated with the COVID-19 outbreak occurring throughout the state, in consultation with the Franklin Board of Health, town emergency management officials, we have made the decision to close the Franklin Public Schools and most town buildings, beginning today, Friday, March 13, 2020. As the situation remains fluid, we anticipate remaining closed for approximately two weeks (through March 27, 2020) resuming operations March 30th where the Town will resume business; however, this may change based on direction from state and local health officials as more information becomes available.

We realize this decision has a significant impact and far-reaching ramifications for our community and understand the disruption and uncertainty that is created for everyone. However, we believe these steps are necessary given the current realities. We encourage all families to take a step back, please follow best hygiene and prevention practices as instructed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and to be patient. We do not make this decision lightly, but making decisions to help prevent transmission of the virus is paramount.

We encourage every Franklin resident, business and visitor to follow the latest guidance from local authorities on our Coronavirus Information Portal here on the Franklin homepage. More information on each departments level of service will continue to be updated here:

https://www.franklinma.gov/

Continue reading the full text of the joint memo
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/coronavirus-update-town-administrator-jamie-hellen-and-superintendent-schools-sara-ahern

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

Franklin Public Schools will be closed through March 27, 2020; Senior Center, Library, Recreation - indefinitely

Good afternoon,

After much consideration, out of an abundance of caution, Franklin Public Schools will be closed through March 27, 2020. We recognize that this creates a disruption in our daily lives. We did not make this decision lightly, but the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority.

Please see the attached memo in the e-mail for more town and school-based information. Additional details will be forthcoming later today from FPS administration.

Kindly,

Franklin Public Schools

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

Based on the evolving conditions associated with the COVID-19 outbreak occurring throughout the state, in consultation with the Franklin Board of Health, town emergency management officials, we have made the decision to close the Franklin Public Schools and most town buildings, beginning today, Friday, March 13, 2020. As the situation remains fluid, we anticipate remaining closed for approximately two weeks (through March 27, 2020) resuming operations March 30th where the Town will resume business; however, this may change based on direction from state and local health officials as more information becomes available.

We realize this decision has a significant impact and far-reaching ramifications for our community and understand the disruption and uncertainty that is created for everyone. However, we believe these steps are necessary given the current realities. We encourage all families to take a step back, please follow best hygiene and prevention practices as instructed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and to be patient. We do not make this decision lightly, but making decisions to help prevent transmission of the virus is paramount.

We encourage every Franklin resident, business and visitor to follow the latest guidance from local authorities on our Coronavirus Information Portal here on the Franklin homepage. More information on each departments level of service will continue to be updated here: https://www.franklinma.gov/

Effective immediately, we will be ordering the following public facility closures and restrictions:

1. Franklin Public School District will be closed beginning today, March 13th, 2020. The schools anticipate opening Monday, March 30th.

The FPS Administration is considering numerous factors at this time, including how to provide for continuity of services, including feeding children. Additional information will be forthcoming this afternoon and in the coming days. School based staff should not report on Monday, March 16, 2020. Additional expectations for staff will be communicated soon.

This information will be sent to families and staff via Regroup as well as posted on our webpage: https://www.franklinps.net/

2. Franklin Senior Center will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to conduct outreach and assistance to seniors in need. Staff will be readily available by telephone at 508-520-4926 during regular business hours to answer questions and offer any assistance. Franklin Senior Center staff are also spending time disinfecting the entire building during the week, as well.

As stated by the CDC, older adults and those with serious illnesses are especially at high risk to contract the virus and have greater risk of complications from the virus. Please visit the Franklin website for additional information. We are urging our senior citizen population to continue to be vigilant, avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing and good hygiene, and to stay home as much as possible to limit exposure to Coronavirus.

3. Franklin Public Library will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to operate business via online services and will be available by phone during modified business hours at 508-520-4941.

Modified business hours will be 9AM to 5PM Monday through Saturday where staff will be available by phone. All programs at the Library are cancelled for this duration.

Any late fines will be waived through at least March 27th.

4. Franklin Recreation Building will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to operate business via online services. The Franklin Recreation Department operates all of its program registration online and individuals may continue to sign up for programs. The Town is cancelling all recreation programs through March 30th.

5. Municipal Building & DPW Administration Building will remain open during regular business hours for the time being. We are working through the legal factors relating to public meetings, public hearings and our ability to continue to conduct regular business as much as possible. Public bodies, such as elected Boards, must continue to work,unless further directed by the state. We hope to have additional information at the beginning of next week on the status.

We encourage all residents to use our online business options for permits, payments online at our online customer service center.

https://unipaygold.unibank.com/customerinfo.aspx https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/

6. Police and Fire Department will remain open to respond to public safety related matters as they arise. Emergency dispatch has included enhanced screenings to further diagnose any calls with infectious diseases.

7. Historical Museum will be closed indefinitely until further notice.

Other actions taken:

● The Town of Franklin is providing weekly deep sanitization of all public facilities every weekend. This will continue until further notice.

● The Town has installed numerous hand sanitizing stations throughout our buildings and schools to help prevent the spread of this (or any) virus.

● We continue to monitor the latest information from state authorities.

● The March 21st Stormwater Forum at the Public Library will be cancelled.

The following links are resources to find out information on best practices, travel restrictions and other facts about the spread of the virus. These are the three most trusted and factual sources of information for you and your family.

Center for Disease Control -- https://www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus/ 
Massachusetts Department of Public Health -- www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus Town of Franklin -- https://www.franklinma.gov/

Download your copy of the file
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eYh_NvOoJnUGa--I9NOMlFVI1S91kBHS/view?usp=sharing

One of the many casualties of the closing will be the monthly book sale

FM #224 Health Director Cathleen Liberty on the coronavirus (audio)

FM #224 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 224 in the series.

Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty took some time from her schedule to sit and talk about the coronavirus and the steps to take to respond to it. 

Don’t panic, she says: “The Board of Health recommendation is to go about your normal life, however, if you are showing any type of symptoms, stay home, stay away from people.”

The Coronavirus portal on the Town page is being updated regularly as information from the CDC and MA Dept of Public Health is available.

What you won’t find there are any numbers on current cases, spending time and effort to update those when the situation is so dynamic is not a good use of time.

What you will find there is accurate and directly from the CDC, the MA Dept of Public Health, etc.

The audio segment runs about 10 minutes, so let’s listen in to my discussion with Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty.
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrytChYX






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

Town of Franklin Coronavirus Information Portal
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We 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 something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I 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 #224 Health Director Cathleen Liberty on the coronavirus (audio)

St John's Episcopal Church Suspends Worship & Programs for 2 weeks

"For the next two weeks, through March 26th, all programs and worship at St John's will be cancelled. That includes the Newcomers' Brunch, Junior Youth Group, Wed Morning Prayer, The Mind-Body-Spirit March dates, Sunday worship, and Church School.

I will livestream worship on Sunday at 10am via FaceBook. We will reach out to those in the parish who don't have email, and encourage all of you to stay connected with each other by phone.

Please remember that God is ever present with us in this time of uncertainty, and be not afraid."

Many blessings,
The Rev. Kathy McAdams, Rector

857-237-9428
www.StJohnsFranklinMA.org

St John's Episcopal Church Suspends Worship & Programs for 2 weeks

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Mar 13 to THU - Mar 19

This is a snap shot of the calendar as of early Friday morning. Please check with the online calendar and or facility where the event is scheduled for updates. The scheduling of events due to the pandemic is dynamic.

Note - updated 3/13/20 PM - The Library, Senior Center, and all Recreation activities have been canceled. The facilities are closed "indefinitely"
 

Friday, March 13

9:00am

 Library-Baby-Wearing Dance Party-Ages 0-12mo

10:00am

 Knitting Group

10:30am

 Library-Happy Feet!-Ages 2-4

3:30pm

 Library-Chess Club for Kids-Ages 8-13

Saturday, March 14

10:00am

 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)

10:00am

 Library - Technology Help with Nerds To Go - Adults

1:00pm

 Library- Girls Who Code!- Ages 6th-8th Grade

7:30pm

 FPAC performs "Legally Blonde The Musical"

8:00pm

 Cancelled -> The Squeezebox Stompers: Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Sunday, March 15

1:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm

 FPAC performs "Legally Blonde The Musical"

3:00pm

 Library - Padula's Jazz, Etc - All ages

Monday, March 16

10:30am

 Library-Move Along- Ages 0-5

3:30pm

 Library- D&D for Kids- Ages 7-13

Tuesday, March 17

 St. Patrick's Day

9:30am

 Library- Cool Cruisers- 8mo-18mo

10:30am

 Library-Get Ready for Kindergarten- 3-5yrs

4:00pm

 Library - Code I.T. Ages 4th grade +

4:00pm

 Library-Code I.T.-Ages 4th grade+

4:00pm

 Library-Toe-Tapping Tuesdays-Ages 2-4!

6:00pm

 Library - Adults - Drop-In ESL Conversation Class

7:00pm

 Leaping into Kindergarten

Wednesday, March 18

10:30am

 Library- Terrific Toddlers- Ages 18mo-3yrs

3:30pm

 Library- Creation Station!- Ages 4+

6:00pm

 Library-RAD Storytellers Club!-Grades K+

6:30pm

 “Taming Technology for Community Members”.

Thursday, March 19

8:30am

 Town Council Office Hours

9:30am

 Library- Tummy Time- Ages 0-12mo (pre-walkers)

10:30am

 Library-Story Xplorers- Ages 0-5

4:00pm

 Library- Bookworm Bounce Storytime!- Ages 0-5

6:00pm

 Franklin Democratic Party Caucus - CANCELED

6:00pm

 Library-Volunteens-Teens (13+)

For the interactive version, please visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/links/submit-event

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Mar 13 to THU - Mar 19