Franklin Matters

Monday, March 16, 2020

Representative Jeff Roy: COVID-19 update #2

From Representative Jeff Roy:

There continue to be concerns about the spread of the Corona virus (COVID-19) and new information is coming out regularly. I am updating you on the latest news, as there have been some major developments over the weekend. You can also check the special state website for latest updates at https://www.mass.gov/covid19. Here is the latest info I have:

Current cases. As of today, there are 164 COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts out of only 799 people who have been tested. The state's capacity to test has been expanded so we expect that number to rise as more people get tested. There is also now evidence of community spread in seven Massachusetts counties, including Berkshire, Essex, Hampden, Norfolk, Middlesex, Suffolk, and Worcester.
Governor Charlie Baker announced this evening that all bars and restaurants in Massachusetts would no longer be permitted to offer on-premise consumption starting Tuesday, March 17 and through April 17. Restaurants are allowed to serve take-out only.
The Governor also banned gatherings larger than 25 people.
The Governor also ordered a three-week suspension of all public and private schools, effective through April 7.
Retail stores can stay open as long as they have 25 people or less in them.

Continue reading the details
https://mailchi.mp/b18c331a8c72/ux2l17im8a-2478217

Representative Jeff Roy: COVID-19 update #2

MA Senate President Karen Spilka: Coronavirus Update as of March 15, 2020

From Senate President Karen E. Spilka:

"Greetings,

As you are undoubtedly aware, Governor Baker announced a number of emergency measures this evening. I have been in touch with the Governor and the Administration about a number of the issues he addressed, and I would like to thank everyone who has contacted my office to let me know the questions and concerns residents have in their communities. It has helped my discussions with state and local leaders immensely.

I am particularly glad to see that the Governor took strong action around school closings, social distancing and telemedicine, which I have persistently pushed for this week. The measures we are taking now are in the best interest of preserving public health & our healthcare system. But we know they will have an impact on our residents, communities & businesses. That's why the Massachusetts State Senate is working now to tee up legislation to help with these impacts. "

Continue reading the update
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Coronavirus-Update-as-of-March-15--2020.html

Encore Music: COVID-19 Announcement

Dear Valued Encore Families:

We here at Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios have been very closely monitoring the rapidly changing developments globally, nationally, and locally surrounding COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. With the health and safety of our students, families, faculty, and staff our highest priority, we have made the unprecedented decision to shift all private music lessons to an online platform.

The facility at 3 Bent St. will be closed as of March 13, for all in-person lessons and classes. We are currently working around the clock to move all private lessons to an online format, and it is our expectation that regularly scheduled lessons can begin to occur online as early as Monday, March 16.

Classes will cease for the interim, but resume once our facility is again open at 3 Bent St.

We are in direct communication with all of our families to ensure a smooth transition to the online format, so we urge everyone to keep a close eye on their email for further instructions. We ask for your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we move forward, and we pledge the same to you.

Online private lessons can offer many benefits to our students. Our philosophy at Encore has always been not only to teach students how to play an instrument, but to teach students the language of music, thereby ensuring that we are developing well-rounded musicians literate in the language of music. This temporary shift to online education will not only permit students to continue with the study of their instrument, it will also open the door for increased creativity between student and instructor as they explore ear-training, rhythm, composition, music theory, and sight-reading concepts.

Please contact us with any questions you may have: (508) 533-7700, ext. 101.

It is our fervent hope that we all can return to routine in the near future, but until then, we wish everyone to stay healthy, stay safe, and stay in touch!!

Thank you for your continued support of Encore.

Sincerely,

Lisa Ostrow

----

Laura Ostrow
Director of Marketing and Development
Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios and Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc.
www.encoremusicacademy.net./ www.wesupportmusic.org
3 Bent St. Franklin | 508-533-7700
lauraostrowencore@gmail.com

"testing capacity at the state lab will increase to approximately 400 patients per day"

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

"Gov. Charlie Baker said there are currently no plans for a statewide shelter-in-place order, but he has put a number of unprecedented measures in place across Massachusetts.

Just after 6:20 p.m. Sunday, Baker ordered a more restrictive public gathering plan, banning all gatherings of 25 or more people. The governor’s initial ban was on gatherings of 250 or more people, which was put into place on Friday.

“These gatherings include all community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions and any similar event or activity that brings together 25 or more people in single room or a single space at the same time. This includes venues like fitness centers, private clubs and theaters,” Baker said.

Baker also banned bars and restaurants from serving food and drinks on site, but will allow them to serve food via takeout and delivery services. The on-site service ban begins Tuesday and is scheduled to last until April 17."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200315/gov-charlie-baker-bans-gatherings-of-over-25-people-orders-school-closure-restaurants-take-out-only

The page with all of Governor Baker's emergency orders on coronavirus (COVID-19)
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency

The page with all of Governor Baker's emergency orders on coronavirus (COVID-19)

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Franklin: Urgent: Coronavirus Information Portal (Updates Here)

March 15, 2020 Update (8:15 PM)

Based on the information provided in Governor Baker's press conference this evening, effective tomorrow, March 16, 2020, the Franklin Town and School Administration offices, as well as all Franklin public buildings will be closed to the public.

While the Municipal Building and other departments are closed for direct, in person service, staff will be available for all regular business activities via phone, email and our online services center at www.franklinma.gov. For an emergency, please continue to dial 911.

Employees are expected to report to work tomorrow for a regular work day. More information will be forthcoming in the days ahead.
-- Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator and Sara Ahern, Suprintendent of Schools

Letter from Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern regarding Coronavirus

A letter from the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern Regarding Caronavirus and School closings

* 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:

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

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Practices for Prevention and Treatment

Steps to prevent illness

Messages from Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern (March 8th, Feb 28th)

Franklin Police Response to COVID-19 (March 13, 2020)

Council on Aging COVID1-19 update (March 10, 2020)

How to 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

Franklin: Urgent: Coronavirus Information Portal (Updates Here)

Franklin Public Schools: Governor’s Announcement -- Updated Duration of Closure

March 15, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

Governor’s Announcement -- Updated Duration of Closure

Earlier this evening, Governor Baker announced that public and private schools in Massachusetts will be closed for three weeks, through April 6. Therefore, Franklin Public Schools will be closed until April 6, planning to resume operations on Tuesday, April 7. This may be revisited in the coming weeks.

Our last day of school is still expected to be Wednesday, June 24, 2020.

A key emphasis of the Governor is that this measure is designed to promote the slow of the Coronavirus infection through the practice of social distancing. This article may be helpful to you in understanding what behaviors help to support this measure:

“Social Distancing: This is Not a Snow Day” by Asaf Bitton, MD, MPH, https://medium.com/@ariadnelabs/social-distancing-this-is-not-a-snow-day-ac21d7fa78b4

To summarize the article, the author advises no playdates, no movie theaters, no parties, no sleepovers, among other social behaviors. The author suggests taking care of yourself and family members and, although challenging, that everyone practices social distancing.

Food Services
During this period of closure, families who feel that their student would benefit from having a grab-and-go lunch or breakfast may pick up meals via the back driveway of Franklin High School between the hours of 11:30 AM and 1 PM, Monday through Friday. If transportation is a concern, please reach out to the Student Services Office at (508) 553-4811 who will assist you.

We also wish to share the following message from Franklin Food Pantry:

“The Franklin Pantry will be open regular hours next week, March 17 – March 20. We will be open to our current neighbors or 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. Check back regularly as we update frequently. Thank you for your continued support of the Franklin Food Pantry.”

Learning Opportunities
We will be sharing more information with families in the coming days about ways in which we will keep students engaged in learning and connected to school during the closure.

Building Access
Be on alert for messages from your building principal(s) about when students can come to the building to retrieve books, Chromebooks, instruments and other personal items.

SPAM Folders
Some recipients of our messages have noted difficulty in receiving our e-mails. Please check your SPAM folders and be sure to mark our messages as “not spam” so that they may be delivered directly to your inbox.

Coronavirus Portal
We wish to remind you that the Town of Franklin has developed a portal for the public to access the latest information on Coronavirus: https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal

Kind regards,

Sara E. Ahern
Superintendent of Schools

Download a PDF of this announcement
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MHQDph06Gga7AIrZ9E-AGf0hLi1K_rKM/view?usp=sharing

Coronavirus Information Portal

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