Once Upon A Town: Morse Opera House Block (video)

"Hosts Joe Landry and Eamon McCarthy Earls explore the history of the Morse Block in downtown Franklin, which once housed a police station, opera house and more"

https://youtu.be/5T4eQxAdTuk

In the News: Mr Barrett provides live music; Gov Baker extends schools closure until May 4

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

Mr Barrett provides live music

"When things seem bleak, there’s nothing like music to inject levity, lighten moods and make connections with others.

That’s just what Jefferson Elementary School music teacher and local musician Jamie Barrett aims to do with his newly introduced “Wake Up With Mr. Barrett” live YouTube concerts.

The concerts are his response to the reality of life in a time of social distancing resulting from the coronavirus.

“I was primarily thinking of ways to stay connected to my students during this time, but also to my family and friends, as well as to anyone else who might enjoy a live concert,” he said. “It’s all about connections.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200325/music-therapy-franklin-musician-goes-live-on-youtube-during-coronavirus-crisis

there’s nothing like music to inject levity

Gov Baker extends schools closure until May 4

"Schools and non-emergency child care centers in Massachusetts will now be closed until at least May 4 under a new order Gov. Charlie Baker signed Wednesday afternoon.

In the meantime, Baker said, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will work to produce in-home programming for students. Previously, schools had been ordered closed until at least April 6.

“This will allow school districts to provide the best possible opportunities for remote learning to all students,” Baker said. He added, “This is not an extended school vacation. During this long-term closure, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will work with school districts to further develop educational programming students can use at home. This way, schools can prepare for their students’ return in May.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200325/updated-gov-baker-orders-school-and-non-emergency-child-care-centers-to-remain-closed-until-at-least-may-4

Franklin Residents: Road work scheduled on Rt 140 - overnight on 3/30 and 3/31

Road work scheduled on Rt 140

Mass DOT will be milling and paving a section of Rt 140 in Franklin between Lewis Street and the Wrentham line. This is scheduled to occur on Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31 at night. 

Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1242876106379857921
 

The section would run from about CVS on one end to the Franklin Country Club on the other end

Help Jamie Barrett write a new Song ...

Hello!  Here's my latest idea... Help Mr. Jamie Barrett write a new song Listen to this short video to find out how:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdt7BXETAiY



It's very simple, very easy and, hopefully, very fun for all who decide to participate! Details, again, are in the short video above!

Please share with EVERYONE you know!!! The more, the merrier!

This is time sensitive and your (very simple) end of the project will close by 5:00 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday)! The new song (that you can be a part of!!!) will be featured in my next LIVE event! Maybe even the first song? Thanks so much for your consideration! Thought this might be fun for all!

Trust me... this IS simple... and might be very entertaining for all... Looking forward to your involvement!!!

PLEASE SHARE!!!!!!!

Jamie 

James H. Barrett
General Music K - 5
Jefferson/Davis Thayer

email: barrettj@franklinps.net

Please consider following me at:
Twitter: @MusicWithMrJHB and at:  https://musicwithmrbarrett.blogspot.com

Help Jamie Barrett write a new Song ...

Real time reporting: Town Council meeting 3/25/20

Present: Chandler, Dellorco, Hamblen, Earls, Kelly, Jones, Bissanti, Mercer Pellegri (7:04)

Absent: none

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 25, 2020

Remote Meeting - Held on “ZOOM” platform 7:00 PM

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.

Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 622 448 244
Link to access meeting: https://zoom.us/j/622448244

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

I did speak up to confirm that it was at least technically possible to do so and thank them for taking this new technology on under the circumstances.
.
3. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 20-18: Update to the 2020 Town Council Meeting Schedule (Motion to approve Resolution 20-18, Majority Vote)

Motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0-1 (Pellegri was assumed 'absent' at this point)

4. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
a. Coronavirus Update & Discussion

quick updates on the changes from the Governor's announcement

Head's up on the paving work to be done on RT 140 at night next week on the March 30 and March 31


5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

none in the round of all councilors (except Pellegri)

6. COUNCIL COMMENTS
most comments were around thanking the community for patience, reminders on maintaining social distance, hopefully this will be over sooner than later

At this point Pellegri was acknowledged, she said she had joined but could not unmute herself to answer the roll call.


7. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call





The full agenda doc and associated memo on council meeting schedule can be found online:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/_2020-03-25_town_council_agenda.pdf

Gov Baker's Executive Order on Remote Participation:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/gov._charlie_bakers_executive_order_on_remote_participation.pdf

When the video of the meeting is available for replay look for it here
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream

FPAC Presents “Great Performances...At Home” on Facebook

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) launched “Great Performances...At Home,” a nightly Facebook Live performance series on Facebook last week. Every night at 7:30 PM EST, a special guest goes live on the Franklin Performing Arts Company Facebook page for a mini-performance (https://www.facebook.com/pg/FPAConline/). 

Guests so far have included Broadway’s Emily Koch (WICKED, Waitress), Christopher Rice (currently on the tour of Hamilton), Clay Thomson (Newsies, Matilda, KING KONG), Jim Hogan (tours of Waitress, Spring Awakening, Phantom of the Opera), and Liz Byrne (Baby It’s You!) as well as resident FPAC favorites Nick Paone, Hallie Wetzell, Irina Fainkichen, Shauna Martin, and Katie Gray.

FPAC Director Raye Lynn Mercer comments, “The arts community, locally and globally, has been significantly impacted, yet artists have been the first to share their talents with the world in any way possible. It is the hope of the FPAC Board of Directors that the Metro-West community will reciprocate when venues open and performers are able to go back to work. Unlike large venues that are supported by endowments and major donors, smaller organizations like FPAC and smaller venues like THE BLACK BOX, will face an enormous financial challenge on the other side of this crisis.” 

When the theater is open once again, patrons can look forward to a busy calendar of shows, concerts, and fundraising events. Currently, all are invited to join an FPAC Annual Circle in support of the company and THE BLACK BOX. For more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

To tune in to these special live performances and view past videos, “like” Franklin Performing Arts Company on Facebook. Audiences can also follow FPAC on Instagram (@franklin.performing.arts.co) and Twitter (@fpac_online). 

 

FPAC Presents “Great Performances...At Home” on Facebook

FPS Voice: COVID-19 Closure Update with Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern

"Steve Sherlock speaks with Sara Ahern regarding the COVID-19 District closure. Topics covered include the rationale for school closure, support available to our families and students, how our teachers are Keeping the Learning Alive, and other resources. This episode was recorded remotely with the support of Franklin TV & Radio via conference bridge."

https://anchor.fm/fpsvoice/episodes/COVID-19-Closure-Update-with-Superintendent-Dr--Sara-Ahern-ebs92u

The Official Podcast of the Franklin Public Schools, Franklin, MA. Learn more about what is happening in our school district, ask questions, hear from members of the FPS Community and special guests! Connect with us!

Submit questions and topics to fpsvoice@franklinps.net

Link to the Superintendents’ messages in multiple languages
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus

The link to the main Franklin Public schools (FPS) page https://www.franklinps.net/

FPS Learning Resources page https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fpscommunitylearningresource/home (be sure to explore the links available in the top right corner of this page!)


FPS Coronavirus information portal
https://www.franklinps.net/district/urgent-alerts/updates-fps-covid-19-closure-information-portal


Important Quick Contacts Guide
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/quick_contact_list_1.pdf

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

 

FPS Voice: COVID-19 Closure Update with Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #6

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #6

Tuesday, March 26, 2020

Friends,

I'm sure you've all heard by now that the Governor issued a "Stay at Home Advisory" yesterday, Monday, March 23. This advisory, in place for at least two weeks, encourages people to stay home as much as possible, decreases the maximum number of people at public gatherings to 10, down from the previous limit of 25, and includes an order to close all non-essential businesses. The advisory also provides for civil or criminal penalties if any of the terms are violated, which I hope conveys the seriousness of this pandemic.

This advisory, while important, should have come at least a week ago, if not more. Last week, I and more than 30 other elected officials (a number that eventually grew to 50) called on the Governor to issue a shelter in place order. The COVID-19 pandemic is a matter of life and death, and with the exception of essential personnel, we need people to stay home to the greatest extent possible.

Extensive social distancing is not an option; it's a necessity. We must do whatever we can to flatten the curve of infection. Given that there are still reports of people having in-person social gatherings and not taking COVID-19 seriously, we need an order, not merely a suggestion that people stay home. This is not a time to party or an extended snow day.

For those who remember the Marathon bombing in 2015 and the "shelter in place" order that followed, I know the trauma of that day is still with all of us. Please note there are a number of important differences between what happened then and what we're asking for now. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical facilities will still be open. First responders, journalists, and those working to end the pandemic and make masks or PPEs are considered essential personnel and will continue to work. You can see a full list of essential services here.

It's critically important that all of us, to the greatest extent we can, practice extensive social distancing in order to help prevent COVID-19 from overwhelming our healthcare system. My team and I have compiled some resources below to help everyone get through this challenging time.

We will continue sending these updates and resources on Tuesdays and Fridays, so as to not overwhelm you and your inboxes. Please remember that my team and I are fully up and running remotely, and we are here to help you! Please call (617) 722-1555 or email me at Becca.Rausch@masenate.gov if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Yours in service,

Senator Becca Rausch


The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full content follow this link:   https://mailchi.mp/7e9a5745f5f1/covid19-update-12272098?e=0c2c9810fe

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #6

FHS' Lupien, Rudolph, Woelfel, Schirduan recognized as Hockomock League Gymnastics all stars

The Franklin High School selections for the Hockomock League Gymnastics all stars are shared here.

Below are the official 2020 Hockomock League Gymnastics All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP
Lindsay Robinson, North Attleboro

Hockomock League All Stars
Kate Rudolph, Franklin
Caroline Woelfel, Franklin
Lexi Lupien, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Elizabeth Schirduan, Franklin


For the full listing of gymnastics all-stars
https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-gymnastics-all-stars/

FHS' Lupien, Rudolph, Woelfel, Schirduan recognized as Hockomock League Gymnastics all stars

FHS' Carlucci, Sauer, Sackley, Walker, Nawn recognized as Hockomock League Wrestling all stars

The Franklin High School selections for the Hockomock League Wrestling all stars are shared here.

Below are the official 2020 Hockomock League Wrestling All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP - Kelley-Rex
CJ Glaropoulos, Mansfield

Hockomock League All Stars - Kelley-Rex Division
Jake Carlucci, Franklin
Ken Sauer, Franklin
Dominic Sackley, Franklin
Matt Walker, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Dylan Nawn, Franklin

For the full listing of Hockomock League wrestling all-stars
https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-wrestling-all-stars/

FHS' Carlucci, Sauer, Sackley, Walker, Nawn recognized as Hockomock League Wrestling all stars

Earth day clean up at DelCarte - April 25 - Canceled

"It is with mixed emotion I announce the cancellation of the Earth Day Clean Up at DelCarte scheduled for Saturday, April 25.  

The Conservation Commission fully understands the current situation with COVID-19 and the effect it is having on all in Franklin and around the world.

We will not place any resident at risk for the sake of any event.

We hope to celebrate Earth Day next year and will make best efforts in the meantime to keep DelCarte one of the Town's Crown Jewels.

We wish you all good health.


William Batchelor

Chairman
Conservation Commission

Shared from the Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/2566887723581238/

the floating walkway at DelCarte recently

Once Upon A Town: Bob Catalano World War II Veteran (video)

Eamon McCarthy Earls interviews Bob Catalano 

"World War II veteran, Bob Catalano, recalls growing up in Franklin, Massachusetts, serving in the Navy, working for GM, and a fire in 2012 that nearly consumed his house--some of the key memories from a life spanning nine decades."

Video link = https://youtu.be/FIhQVt5OTVg

In the News: college refund plans monitored; delay of local elections due to COVID-19

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

Monitoring of college refund plans amid coronavirus underway

"With many college students now learning remotely off-campus or while living with their families, refunding the room and board payments for those students while they’re away is going to be a “huge issue,” according to the House chair of the Higher Education Committee.

But, state Rep. Jeffrey Roy said, it’s not one where there’s necessarily an across-the-board solution.

The new online learning surge is one of the cascading effects flowing from the coronavirus pandemic, and it’s being driven by the fact that thousands of students were abruptly sent packing from campuses mid-semester.

Massachusetts is home to more than 100 colleges and universities, including the state’s 15 community colleges, which do not have on-campus housing, nine public universities and the five-campus University of Massachusetts system.

Dorm and meal payments are unique to each school, and campus officials will need to consider the needs of their student populations as well as their own budgetary dynamics as they make unprecedented decisions around whether and how to reimburse room and board for off-campus time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200324/ag-roy-healey-monitoring-college-refund-plans-amid-coronavirus

MA allows delay of local elections due to COVID-19

"Towns can postpone local elections this spring to help residents avoid the coronavirus, thanks to a law signed Monday night by Gov. Charlie Baker.

Spring is local election season for towns throughout Massachusetts, and town officials have been keeping a wary eye on the trajectory of the pandemic as the time to cast ballots – not typically an action associated with worldwide social distancing recommendations – looms closer.

Elections scheduled on or before May 30 may be postponed, according to a notice from the Secretary of State’s Office, and ballots printed with the original date may be used. Elections must be held by June 30.

Several voting rights activists praised the idea, but criticized the law for not going far enough."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200324/massachusetts-allows-delay-of-local-elections

Business & Employee Support during COVID-19 Restrictions

The Town of Franklin recognizes the impact the COVID-19 restrictions and closures are having on businesses and their employees. We have compiled a list of resources to guide you through the changing landscape. This document will be updated as new information and updates become available.

● Department of Unemployment Insurance (Department of Labor Relations). Read all of the information, latest updates and apply for unemployment assistance here
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance

Find the unemployment application here
https://www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-online

● Guidance and Directives for Businesses & Employers: Updated information regarding unemployment resources can be found here:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-guidance-and-directives#businesses-&-employers-


● The Rapid Response Program works closely with companies to avoid layoffs and keep a skilled workforce engaged in the existing regional economy or industry. To find out more about how the Rapid Response Team can help businesses visit this link: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/rapid-response-layoff-aversion

● SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are available statewide. Massachusetts received approval for the disaster declaration for small businesses and private non-profits to apply for the SBA EIDL loan program. Visit the SBA’s Disaster guidance web page: www.sba.gov/disaster Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications to mail in forms here https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

● MA Growth Capital Corporation:$10 million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund will provide emergency capital up to $75,000 to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits. Loans are immediately available to eligible businesses with no payments due for the first 6 months. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) has capitalized on the fund and will administer it. Here is a link:
https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/what-we-offer/emergency-loan-funds/covid-19-loan-fund
How to Apply: Please complete the application found on MGCC’s website, EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org.

● The IRS extended the tax deadline to July 15, 2020. Find details here
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-now-july-15-treasury-irs-extend-filing-deadline-and-federal-tax-payments-regardless-of-amount-owed

● The Center for Disease Control: CDC’s Guidance for Business during the
COVID-19 Outbreak  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.htm

● Massachusetts Department of Revenue COVID-19 Information: Important updates from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/important-covid-19-coronavirus-response-update-from-dor

● The Federal Reserve Board announced a Market Mutual Liquidity Fund
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200320b.htm

● Bulletin 2020-05; Flexibility in the Issuance and Administration of Insurance during COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Public Health Crisis; Issued 3/23/2020
https://www.mass.gov/news/bulletin-2020-05-flexibility-in-the-issuance-and-administration-of-insurance-during-covid-19

● Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office: Resources during COVID-19 Outbreak https://www.mass.gov/guides/resources-during-covid-19

● National Grid Information for Business customers regarding the COVID-19 Outbreak https://www.nationalgridus.com/COVID-19


Shared from the Town of Franklin page:  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

Business & Employee Support during COVID-19 Restrictions

In the News: Politicians connecting remotely; Coronavirus response adjustments in new municipal bill

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

Politicians connecting remotely

On St. Patrick’s Day morning, U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III took to Twitter in a baseball cap and plain white T-shirt with his two young, pajama-clad children.

“Take care of each other, take care of yourselves, take care of your families,” he told his more than 82,000 followers, before his daughter Ellie broke into a confident rendition of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” from Disney’s “Frozen.”

As social distancing becomes the norm, several local, state and federal elected officials are turning to remote services like telephone and video to connect with their constituents.

“We’re deploying the full menu of technology,” said U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan on Friday. “Our office is very much open for business.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200324/politicians-connect-with-constituents-remotely

Coronavirus response adjustments in new municipal bill

"Restaurants would be able to sell beer and wine with to-go orders, requirements around MCAS tests could be changed and municipal governments could give residents more time to make tax payments, under new bill Gov. Charlie Baker filed Tuesday to create flexibility in local responses to the coronavirus pandemic.

Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito introduced the bill during their daily coronavirus update, with the governor saying it “cuts red tape for cities and towns” and aims to make it easier for municipalities to meet their residents’ needs and keep their governments running.

“It’s clear that we have to stick together, but stick together in a time where social distancing is becoming and is very much a real part of our lives,” Polito said, voicing appreciation for local governments offering services via remote workforces, boards of health ramping up their efforts, and first responders who continue to deal with emergencies like house fires.

Filed the same day that an emergency order closed most of the state’s businesses -- except for essential operations like grocery stores and medical facilities -- and with the Department of Public Health advising residents to stay home, the bill (HD 4974) contains a number of provisions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200324/coronavirus-response-to-go-liquor-tax-payments-mcas-requirements-part-of-municipal-bill

The text of HD 494 can be found https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/HD4974

FTC Consumer Alerts: Now more than ever, spot the scams with #FTCScamBingo

Now more than ever, spot the scams with #FTCScamBingo by Jennifer Leach  Associate Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC During the Coronavirus outbreak, many people are working from home — and maybe even, for the first time in a long time, answering calls from unfamiliar phone numbers. It might be your colleague's cell phone…or it might be a robocaller or scammer.  So here's a way you can spot some of those scam calls you might be getting. And it's a way to spread the word to help protect others in your community. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/now-more-ever-spot-scams-ftcscambingo This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/?utm_source=govdelivery

FM #228 Superintendent Sara Ahern with Coronavirus Updates 3/22/20

FM #228 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 228 in the series.

This session of the radio show was recorded virtually. Superintendent Sara Ahern and I connected to have this conversation via a conference bridge and recording came out very well as we practiced this new ‘social distance’.

Sara provided some key updates on

• The rationale behind the decision to close Franklin schools
• Support services still being provided while closed
• Meals via the ‘grab and go’ at FHS Monday-Friday from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
• Teachers reaching out to check in with their students
• To “keep learning alive”, exploring distance learning and new resources
• William James Interface Referral Service (available to all of Franklin)
• Updates made available regularly and in multiple languages

The audio segment runs about 25 minutes, so please listen in to my conversation with School Superintendent Sara Ahern.  Audio file =>
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HBlPRL2X





Link to the Superintendents’ messages in multiple languages
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus

The link to the main Franklin Public schools (FPS) page https://www.franklinps.net/

FPS Learning Resources page https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fpscommunitylearningresource/home (be sure to explore the links available in the top right corner of this page!)


FPS Coronavirus information portal
https://www.franklinps.net/district/urgent-alerts/updates-fps-covid-19-closure-information-portal


Important Quick Contacts Guide
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/quick_contact_list_1.pdf

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


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

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"

Important Quick Contacts Guide

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 25, 2020 (virtual meeting)

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 25, 2020

Remote Meeting - Held on “ZOOM” platform 7:00 PM

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.

Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 622 448 244
Link to access meeting: https://zoom.us/j/622448244

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 20-18: Update to the 2020 Town Council Meeting Schedule (Motion to approve Resolution 20-18, Majority Vote)

4. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
a. Coronavirus Update & Discussion

5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

6. COUNCIL COMMENTS

7. ADJOURN

The full agenda doc and associated memo on council meeting schedule can be found online:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/_2020-03-25_town_council_agenda.pdf

Gov Baker's Executive Order on Remote Participation:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/gov._charlie_bakers_executive_order_on_remote_participation.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 25, 2020 (virtual meeting)

Franklin Public Schools: District Update on Coronavirus and School Closure - March 23, 2020

March 23, 2020

[Translated versions of this message will be posted to our Webpage on March 24, 2020]

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff

We recognize that this is a very difficult time in all of our lives. We are concerned about the health and well-being of our students, our families, and our community in light of the novel Coronavirus. We are also adjusting to a dramatic change in our daily lives in an effort to curb its spread.  The measures we are taking, including the dramatic act of closing schools and businesses, for social distancing will only have the intended effect if they are followed diligently. We urge all families in Franklin to stay at home and limit unnecessary travel and activities.

As mentioned in the Friday message from our schools, we are here to support each other. At the end of this memo, I share a resource for families that you might find helpful in thinking about and providing for your own "self-care", and that of your family, during this difficult time.

Stay At Home Advisory

Governor Baker, earlier today, issued an Executive Order that all non-essential businesses will close as of noon Tuesday, March 24, and for the MDPH to issue a stay-at-home advisory for two weeks (until April 7).  Residents are advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary activities during this two-week time period. The Baker-Polito Administration Order also limits gatherings to 10 people during the state of emergency, a reduction from the 25 person limit established in an earlier order.  More information can be found on the www.mass.gov website:

https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-charlie-baker-orders-all-non-essential-businesses-to-cease-in-person-operation

Closure of Schools AND School Grounds

This serves as a reminder that our schools and grounds are closed and off-limits until April 7 in an effort to emphasize that we need to limit locations for people to congregate in order to protect the well-being of our community through social distancing. Police will be monitoring the buildings and grounds.

First Case Reported in Franklin 

The Board of Health issued a memo over the weekend to share the news that the Town of Franklin has its first confirmed case of Coronavirus.  We have no additional information to share but provide you with this link to the release:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/2020-03-22_coronavirus_pos_case_release_1.pdf

Food Service and Weekend Backpacks

Our Food Service Department is providing breakfast and lunch in a "Grab and Go" fashion in the loop behind Franklin High School.  We have expanded our hours from 11 AM to 1 PM.  These meals are available to any child in Franklin who needs breakfast or lunch, not solely those who have qualified for Federal free and reduced lunch. We would like to assure our families that we are not at risk of running out of food. If transportation is a concern for you, please e-mail  Director of Student Services, Paula Marano (maranop@franklinps.net) so that we can coordinate a drop-off.

The Franklin Food Pantry, in collaboration with FPS, provides Weekend Backpacks during the school year to families who are food insecure.  We will continue to distribute backpacks on Fridays, using the same pick up area as the lunch/breakfast program. If you would like a backpack, please e-mail Director of Student Services, Paula Marano (maranop@franklinps.net).  If transportation is a concern for you, please let us know to arrange for delivery.

Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination

We want to take this moment to remind our school community of our core values of  Social- Emotional Development, Safe and Inclusive School Culture, High Expectations for Student Success, and a Collaborative Community.  In all that we do, we seek to align our behavior to each one of these values.

Unfortunately, something like the Coronavirus crisis can lead to hateful, biased, and discriminatory actions based on stereotypes, race, and country of origin. While we are not aware of any specific incident in Franklin, we are sensitive to and aware of the possibility.  We share the following resources with faculty/staff and families in order to broaden the awareness:

https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/speaking-up-against-racism-around-the-new-coronavirus

https://www.adl.org/blog/the-coronavirus-surfaces-fear-stereotypes-and-scapegoating

Enrichment Opportunities and Home Resources

The Franklin Public Schools is currently engaging in providing social-emotional support and connections where educators across the district are engaging with students in a virtual environment.  Additionally, in alignment with current state guidance on learning experiences, FPS educators are providing enrichment and extension opportunities to "Keep the Learning Alive". We are remaining informed of both state and federal guidance. We anticipate receiving further guidance from DESE this week, which will help inform future actions. In the meantime, the following district-based resources can be a support for you and your family:

• FPS Learning (https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fpscommunitylearningresource/home)
• DESE Educational Resources (http://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/ed-resources.html)
• WGBH Distance Learning Center (https://www.wgbh.org/distance-learning-center)
• William James Project Interface - A counseling referral service that is available to any Franklin resident, including school children and families (https://interface.williamjames.edu/community/franklin)

MCAS Testing

DESE has officially postponed the Grade 10 English language arts assessment and has shifted the testing window for Grades 3-8 ELA assessment window, originally scheduled to open March 30. MCAS-Alt portfolios are not due April 3. More decisions may be forthcoming from DESE about the MCAS assessments, but these require legislative relief. We will continue to keep you informed.

A Resource to Help Parents/Families

The following link will bring you to a resource from Maria Trozzi, educator, author and consultant, on talking to kids about Coronavirus and ways in which to care for them and yourself:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nhea2pFrLbmZKEvyIMKKqnDotWZoUW6d/view?usp=sharing

For More Information on Matters Related to Coronavirus

We have reorganized our webpage so that you can more easily find our Coronavirus resources:

https://www.franklinps.net/district/urgent-alerts/updates-fps-covid-19-closure-information-portal

Sincerely,

Sara E. Ahern

Superintendent of Schools

A PDF version of this can be downloaded here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fT4Y8-pPloaB447wVyXeIdmRjyJluAq6/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Public Schools: District Update on Coronavirus and School Closure - March 23, 2020