Mutual aid networks for 350 Mass during Coronavirus

"We hope you are staying healthy and finding support during these disorienting times.

As climate activists, we know that as climate change worsens, we will see increasingly frequent and dangerous crises like this one.

This is a grim thought, but I also find it a powerful one: the structures, connections and resources we develop to support each other now, will leave us better prepared to support each other during future climate crises and disasters.

We know that climate change disproportionately harms people already marginalized by society, and this public health crisis is no exception: my heart is particularly with people who have compromised immune systems; people without health insurance or access to treatment; those who cannot afford to stay home from work and do not have paid sick time; kids who rely on free school lunch; and many others.

Tuesday’s weekly newsletter will focus on resources and best practices for responding to coronavirus. But while that is still a work in progress, we wanted to send one resource out without delay.

In the spirit of support and solidarity, I want to introduce a new tool: 350 Mass and Community Mutual Aid form.  
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSch5YoXLpT-mfRmYyocdCYJ98flZOK2WFOhhe_khamR-Uv-Eg/viewform

While a certain administration in DC is not going to take care of us or our people, we have many resources to care for each other.

Do you have resources to share with someone in need--extra food to share with a neighbor? A room someone forced to leave campus housing could stay in? A Netflix password?

Do you have needs the community could help meet--someone to look after your kids? Someone to drive you to the grocery store so you can avoid public transit?

Please fill out this Google form with your needs and offerings: 
 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSch5YoXLpT-mfRmYyocdCYJ98flZOK2WFOhhe_khamR-Uv-Eg/viewform

The results will be on a survey you can access to connect with each other. I’m excited to use this tool both to help support our friends and community within the 350 Mass network as well as to share it with frontline community partners, and I encourage you to share it with your community (on a neighborhood forum, Facebook group, or just with family and friends), especially those whose needs might be higher or access to resources lower.

(Note: many communities are putting together local mutual aid networks as well--we encourage you to participate if your community has one, or consider forming one if not!)"

With love and power,
Jon Wishnie for 350 Mass

350ma.org

 

Please fill out this Google form with your needs and offerings

Need to Read? Try a Little Free Library? or Start a new one

"Welcome to the world’s largest book-sharing movement! Join us in:

• Building Community
• Sparking Creativity
• Inspiring Readers"

https://littlefreelibrary.org/

Little Free Library locations in Franklin, MA

https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/

On map:

• 26 Lawrence Dr
• Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St
• 109 Union St
• 131 Hillside Road

Not on map:

• 366 Lincoln St
• 28 East Park St
• Davis Thayer
• Hockomock YMCA (Forge Hill) (added via feedback)
• ??

If you know of one not on this listing, please let me know

Little Free Library locations in Franklin, MA (as of 3/14/20 noon)

Need to Read? Try a Little Free Library

FM #225 Stormwater Utility Session 2 - 3/11/20 (audio)

FM #225 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 225 in the series.

The Town Council Stormwater Utility Fee Subcommittee held the second of three information scheduled sessions to review the proposed stormwater utility fee as a response to the Federal mandate required by the EPA MS4 regulations.

The session was held at the Franklin TV studio on March 11 and also broadcast via Facebook Live.

Subcommittee Chair Melanie Hamblen opened the session and discussion. Councilors Glenn Jones, Bob Dellorco, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, GIS Coordinator Kate Sjoberg also sat at the main table in the studio.

Consultant Jean Haggerty sat in a front row to provide support and comment/answer as required.

As we record this intro, the Library has been closed for public events so the third session which as mentioned was scheduled for March 21 is in jeopardy due to the coronavirus mitigation plans. Stay tuned for updates. It may very well be conducted and other than the presenters, the participation may be all remote.

The audio segment runs about 93 minutes, so let’s listen in to the presentation and discussion of the stormwater utility fee. 
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZ6yY75X






The presentation document (updated from the first session) 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I2WQBG4XgPRjak-b4athnfqal6h1xMR-/view?usp=sharing

Or on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/_stormwater_council_outreach_2019_2.pdf

The handout can be found online at the new Stormwater Division page along with the rain barrel rebate program
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/ms4_permit_-_quick_facts.pdf

Visit the Stormwater Division page to review the mitigation plan as well as the MS4 itself  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

Visit “Soak it up Franklin” https://www.soakitupfranklinma.org/

The Facebook ‘watch party’ can be found here
https://www.facebook.com/watchparty/811564642656706/


--------------
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 #225 Stormwater Utility Session 2  - 3/11/20 (audio)

“We are preparing for more confirmed cases”

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"State officials on Saturday relaxed rules on who can get tested for the coronavirus in an effort to identify more cases and slow the spread of the outbreak.

The state also announced a new command center to coordinate the response to the virus. State Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders will lead the center, which state officials said will focus on expanding testing, preventing health care equipment shortages and ensuring hospitals are ready for large numbers of patients.

“Far more people are going to get tested,” Gov. Charlie Baker said Saturday morning during a news conference called to announce the changes.

The state has tested 475 people for the virus as of Friday. Before the change announced Saturday, health professionals had to seek state approval before administering a test for the virus."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200315/massachusetts-eases-virus-test-rules-creates-command-center

“We are preparing for more confirmed cases”

In the News: casino operations shutting down in response to COVID-19

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has voted to shut down operations at the state’s casinos in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the state.

An expeditious and orderly shutdown process is underway at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville.

Commissioners voted unanimously to temporarily suspend operations at the three casinos. The commission anticipates that the gaming floor at the casinos will close to patrons at 5:59 a.m. Sunday.

The decision will be reevaluated in two weeks, according to the gaming commission."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200314/mass-gaming-commission-votes-to-shut-down-casino-operations-in-response-to-covid-19

Census Bureau News: Women’s Earnings by Occupation From the 2018 American Community Survey

In honor of Women's History Month, the U.S. Census Bureau today released a graphic showing median earnings of women in certain occupations from the 2018 American Community Survey. 

The occupation table shows the percentage of women in select occupations and the earnings of full-time, year-round female workers in 2018. It compares earnings to those of men in the same occupations.

The Census Bureau collects data on industry, occupation and class of worker for the labor force.

Shared from
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2020/acs-womens-earnings.html

The occupation table shows the percentage of women in select occupations and the earnings of full-time, year-round female workers in 2018

Tax Time Guide: Guard personal, financial and tax information year-round

The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to remain vigilant with their personal information by securing computers and mobile phones. Proper cybersecurity protection and scam recognition can reduce the threat of identity theft inside and outside the tax system.

This news release is part of a series called the Tax Time Guide, a resource to help taxpayers file an accurate tax return:  https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide

Additional help is available in Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax:  https://www.irs.gov/publications/p17

The IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. People should be alert to scammers posing as the IRS to steal personal information. There are ways to know if it’s really the IRS calling or knocking on someone’s door.

The IRS also works with the Security Summit, a partnership with state tax agencies and the private-sector tax industry, to help protect taxpayer information and defend against identity theft. Taxpayers and tax professionals can take steps to help in this effort.

Below are a few tips to help minimize exposure to fraud and identity theft:

• Protect personal information. Treat personal information like cash – don’t hand it out to just anyone. Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, bank and even utility account numbers can be used to help steal a person’s money or open new accounts.
• Avoid phishing scams. The easiest way for criminals to steal sensitive data is simply to ask for it. IRS urges people to learn to recognize phishing emails, calls or texts that pose as familiar organizations such as banks, credit card companies or even the IRS. Keep sensitive data safe and:

• Be aware that an unsolicited email with a request to download an attachment or click on a URL could appear to come from someone that you know like a friend, work colleague or tax professional if their email has been spoofed or compromised.
• Don’t assume internet advertisements, pop-up ads or emails are from reputable companies. If an ad or offer looks too good to be true, take a moment to check out the company behind it.
• Never download “security” software from a pop-up ad. A pervasive ploy is a pop-up ad that indicates it has detected a virus on the computer. Don’t fall for it. The download most likely will install some type of malware. Reputable security software companies do not advertise in this manner.

• Safeguard personal data. Provide a Social Security number, for example, only when necessary. Only offer personal information or conduct financial transactions on sites that have been verified as reputable, encrypted websites.
• Use strong passwords. The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. Use at least 10 characters; 12 is ideal for most home users. Mix letters, numbers and special characters. Try to be unpredictable – don’t use names, birthdates or common words. Don’t use the same password for many accounts and avoid sharing them. Keep passwords in a secure place or use password management software.

Set password and encryption protections for wireless networks. If a home or business Wi-Fi is unsecured, it allows any computer within range to access the wireless network and potentially steal information from connected devices. Whenever it is an option for a password-protected account, users also should opt for a multi-factor authentication process.

• Use security software. An anti-virus program should provide protection from viruses, Trojans, spyware and adware. The IRS urges people, especially tax professionals, to use an anti-virus program and always keep it up to date.
• Set security software to update automatically so it can be updated as threats emerge. Educate children and those with less online experience about the threats of opening suspicious web pages, emails or documents.

Back up files. No system is completely secure. Copy important files, including federal and state tax returns, onto removable discs or back-up drives and cloud storage. Store discs, drives and any paper copies in secure, locked locations.

ID Theft Central. New on IRS.gov. Designed to improve online access to information on identity theft. Serves taxpayers, tax professionals and businesses.

Taxpayers can find answers to questions, forms and instructions and easy-to-use tools online at IRS.gov. They can use these resources to get help when it’s needed at home, at work or on the go.

Shared from the IRS page
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide-guard-personal-financial-and-tax-information-year-round 

Tax Time Guide: Guard personal, financial and tax information year-round

Town Council meeting Feb 12, 2020 - recap

Quick summary:

• Plastic bag prohibition finally approved
• Zoning changes to reduce solar farms introduced
• Zoning changes on continuation of plot line clean up first hearing
• Transitional assistance and homelessness discussed
• Municipal aggregation deal announced (effective Nov 1, 2020)
• First discussion on 'civil discourse pledge'

Audio segment on municipal aggregation  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVJSJ7GX

Audio segment on 'civil discourse pledge' https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hy6gCj6X

Audio segment on Transitional assistance and homelessness
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HcdPW36X

Transitional Assistance from Franklin Matters

Additional details can be found in my notes recorded live during the meeting

Live reporting: Town Administrator's Report through Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-town-administrators_12.html

Live reporting: Legislation for Action

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-legislation-for-action_12.html

Live reporting: Housing and Transitional Assistance

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-housing-and-transitional.html

Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 12, 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-town-council-feb-12-2020.html

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer with proclamation recognizing the FHS student for their work on the plastic bag prohibition

Town Council meeting of Feb 5, 2020 - Recap

Quick summary:

• Randy LaRosa appointed to Historical Commission
• beer/wine license approved for Maks
• Community Preservation Act presentation and discussion
• first pass at the capital budget was approved

Community Preservation Act Adoption 20200130 from Franklin Matters

Audio segment - Community Preservation Act (Audio)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-203-community-preservation-act-feb-5.html

My notes reported live during the meeting

• Live reporting: Town Administrator's Report to Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-town-administrators.html

• Live reporting: Legislation for Action

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

• Live reporting: License transaction - Norfolk County Sheriff - CPA

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-license-transaction.html

• Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 5, 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-town-council-feb-5-2020.html

Franklin Cultural Council: Town Wide Art Contest - week of March 16, 2020

The Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is announcing a town-wide ONLINE ART CONTEST the week of March 16 geared towards elementary and middle school students! 

There will be two winners per day; one elementary school student and one middle school student. Prizes will be hand delivered to your mailbox!

• Monday, Make Art with Nature
• Tuesday, Create Art with Paint
• Wednesday, Create Art with Recycles
• Thursday, Create a Collage of your Pet
• Friday, Create Sculpture Art

Photo examples will be available at the beginning of each day! 

Photo of your child's artwork should be submitted on the "post of the day" on the Franklin Cultural Council Facebook page with their name (or alias) and grade. 

Find the "post of the day" at  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/


One entry per student. 
Entries must be posted by 5pm each day.
Winners will be announced at 7pm each day!

Franklin Cultural Council: Town Wide Art Contest - week of March 16, 2020

Shared from the FCC Facebook posting
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1105816116438881?

Franklin Food Pantry Will Be Open Next Week (March 17 - 20)

Important Update From The Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry will be open regular hours next week, March 17 - March 20. We will be open to our current neighbors and anyone who needs us including families who count on the breakfast and lunch options provided by the Franklin area schools. We will provide a prepackaged bag full of nonperishable items to help you through this time. You can visit us daily if needed. We will reopen on March 24 with our regular shopping hours and procedures.

How can you help?

We are so grateful to our community and have received many questions on how you can help us during these uncertain times. If you are able, the best way to support The Pantry is through a monetary donation. Monetary donations allow us to purchase the items we need at a cheaper price through the Greater Boston Food Bank. If you are interested in donating items, please visit our current needs list. https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/

Please check back regularly as we update frequently. Thank you for your continued support of the Franklin Food Pantry.

Please stay safe and reach out if we can help in any way: 508-528-3115

Thank you! 

 

Franklin Food Pantry Will Be Open Next Week (March 17 - 20)

To Attendees and Volunteers: Music4Kids Benefit Concert 2020 - COVID-19 Precautions

Please be advised that in the interest of public safety, and according to recommendations from the CDC and the Governor's Office regarding COVID-19, we have decided to postpone the Sugar Ray and Mike Welch, Veronica Lewis, Nolan Leite Experience benefit concert.  

We will honor all tickets purchased for the new concert date.  We will be in touch as soon as we have the new date confirmed. 

For information about  the COVID-19 recommended precautions, please visit the following links:

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

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html  

Thank you for your understanding.  We look forward to seeing you at the show!

Warmest regards, 

--

Joshua Silver

Joshua Silver

Founder and  CEO

Music4Kids Inc

412 Gatehouse Lane, Franklin, MA 02038

(508) 381-9052

outreach@music4kids.org

www.music4kids.org

Music4Kids Inc

Franklin Public Library Closure for coronavirus (COVID-19)

Franklin Public Library Closure

Due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, the 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, including the Book Sale, are cancelled for this duration. Any late fines will be waived through at least March 27th. Items that are checked out will have their due date extended to April 30th. 

The Library's book return will remain open twenty-four hours a day. No book or media donations will be accepted until further notice.


If you currently have items on the holdshelf, the Library will offer "curbside pickup". 

Please drive to the Library parking lot or 5 minute parking spots, call the Library with your name and Library card number ready, and a staff person will check out your items and bring them to your car. This service is available during the modified business hours of Monday through Saturday, 9AM to 5PM.

Franklin Public Library Closure for coronavirus (COVID-19)

Franklin Public Schools: School Closure Update - Notification and Information

March 13, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,


This letter serves as a follow up to the Town of Franklin Coronavirus Update Letter shared earlier today. Franklin Public Schools, beginning today, Friday, March 13, 2020, are closed for two weeks (through March 27, 2020), planning to resume operations March 30th. We will have to make up 5 days for the year. Our last day of school is now planned for June 24, 2020.

The purpose of this closure is preventative and is to provide social distancing within the school community, as this practice has been promoted as a way to curb the spread of the virus. It is not a direct reaction to a specific situation or individual; the Board of Health reports there are no confirmed cases impacting us at this time.

School events are also cancelled and may be postponed. This includes the Leap into Kindergarten (3/17), Incoming 9th Grade Special Education Transition Night (3/18), and Parent/Guardian Homework Information Evening (3/18). MCAS testing at FHS for sophomores will be postponed (3/24 and 3/25). The School Committee meeting/budget hearing is scheduled to continue (3/24).

We know that school plays an important role in the daily life of children. The routine of school, in particular, is a comfort during times of stress. We are keenly aware of this and have been actively planning to support both families and students and to maintain some structure and connection. 

This includes:
● Developmentally appropriate resources for the continuity of learning and “keeping the learning alive”
● Continuation of breakfast and lunch for Franklin children
● Counseling supports
● Rescheduled dates of selected activities and events (e.g. SATs, MCAS, parent/guardian information evenings) 

We will address the details of these and other matters in future communications.

We anticipate that your child may need items left at school such as instruments, books, Chromebooks, and personal items. Your child’s school will soon communicate specific days and times.

This is an anxiety-producing time for all. The following resources may assist you in answering questions and facilitating conversations with your children:

• How to Talk to Children about the Coronavirus

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-talk-to-children-about-the-coronavirus-2020030719111

• Talking to Kids about Covid-19 

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-%28coronavirus%29-a-parent-resource
 

• Talking to Teen/Tweens about Coronavirus

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/02/well/family/coronavirus-teenagers-anxiety.html

• Coronavirus: Latest Updates and Tips

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/coronavirus-latest-updates?utm_source=Understood+for+All&utm_campaign=87b667c2b5-02192020_familiesNL_highengagement_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_45fc52ce3d-87b667c2b5-337092907


We know there are many remaining questions. We aim to address these in the coming days and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this unchartered territory together as a community.

Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: School Closure Update - Notification and Information

The School message is also delivered in multiple languages
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus
 

THE BLACK BOX: Legally Blonde Performances Postponed

To the FPAC Community and patrons of THE BLACK BOX,

Due to the evolving situation with the Coronavirus outbreak, the Franklin Performing Arts Company will postpone our production of Legally Blonde scheduled this weekend and next. We look forward to presenting the show for six performances this spring and tickets purchased in advance will be honored at that time. The box office will communicate first with current ticket holders when our new dates are announced.

A production the magnitude of Legally Blonde – with New York guest artist contracts, William Berloni's Theatrical Animals, original Broadway choreography and professional orchestra, as well as the expenses of sets, props and costumes, rights, royalties and creative team, is an enormous financial undertaking. We are facing a frightening burden with the theater closed even for a short period of time. 

This would be a great time to help our company and show your support for THE BLACK BOX with a one-time donation or membership in an FPAC Annual Circle. We need your help now in order to be in a healthy position to reopen when safe to do so. You might also consider donating to FPAC your current Legally Blonde ticket purchases and then repurchase when the box office opens for our new dates.

The FPAC Board of Directors, Creatives, and Artists realize how the arts provide an important opportunity to gather, share, and be inspired in challenging times. We look forward to seeing you at THE BLACK BOX as soon as it is possible! We thank you for your understanding and hope for your support.

Support page for FPAC
https://www.fpaconline.com/pages.php?pname=fpac_support_us

THE BLACK BOX: Legally Blonde Performances Postponed