"to keep people alive and to keep our health care system from getting so overwhelmed"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A trio of executive orders Gov. Charlie Baker signed Thursday aims to expand the health care system’s capacity and ensure access to COVID-19 treatment, including in field hospitals.

The actions come almost one month into a state of emergency as the latest step preparing for a surge in infections and hospitalizations that could arrive as soon as Friday. At his daily press conference, Baker also discussed new details about a South Boston field hospital and the state’s ongoing quest to obtain ventilators.

Baker said the state heard from the federal government last night that it will receive an additional 100 ventilators, and Boston Children’s hospital is making a “wonderful donation” of five ventilators. So far, Massachusetts has received 100 ventilators of the 1,700 it’s requested from the national stockpile.

“Obviously, we continue to be focused on the pursuit of ventilators through other means and other channels as well,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200409/new-orders-aim-to-attract-staff-for-covid-19-surge


The full press release and link to the update as recorded live on Thursday can be found
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-field-medical-station-details-new-support-for-health

"to keep people alive and to keep our health care system from getting so overwhelmed"

IRS urges taxpayers to use electronic options; outlines online assistance

The Internal Revenue Service today (4/09/20) reminds taxpayers and tax professionals to use electronic options to support social distancing and speed the processing of tax returns, refunds and payments.

To protect the public and employees, and in compliance with orders of local health authorities around the country, certain IRS services such as live assistance on telephones, processing paper tax returns and responding to correspondence are extremely limited or suspended until further notice. All Taxpayer Assistance Centers remain temporarily closed as are many volunteer tax preparation sites until further notice. This will not affect the IRS’s ability to deliver Economic Impact Payments, which taxpayers will begin receiving next week.

Although the tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020, from April 15, the IRS continues to process electronic tax returns, issue direct deposit refunds and accept electronic payments. As of April 3, the IRS received over 97.4 million tax returns and issued over $213 billion in refunds.

IRS operational status and alternatives
Paper Tax Returns: All taxpayers should file electronically through their tax preparer, tax software provider or IRS Free File if possible. The IRS is not currently able to process individual paper tax returns. If you already have filed via paper but it has not yet been processed, do not file a second tax return or write to the IRS to inquire about the status of your return or your economic impact payment. Paper returns will be processed once processing centers are able to reopen. This year, more than 90% of taxpayers have filed electronically.

Ordering Forms: The IRS’s National Distribution Center is closed until further notice. We are not able to take any orders for forms or publications to be mailed during this time. Most forms and publications are available for download electronically at www.IRS.gov/forms.

Web Options: IRS.gov remains the best source for tax law questions, checks on refund status and tax payments. All IRS updates on the Economic Impact Payments and other Covid-19 related issues also will be posted immediately on www.IRS.gov/coronavirus. Taxpayers can check their refund status at Where’s My Refund? or obtain a tax transcript at Get Transcript Online. Tax transcripts are only available online at this time.

Taxpayers also can make tax payments through Direct Pay. Taxes due must be paid by July 15. The Interactive Tax Assistant can help answer tax law questions. There currently are no email options that will generate answers to questions posed by taxpayers. Publication 5136, IRS Services Guide, is a good source of information.

Telephone Options: Automated phone lines: which handle most taxpayer calls - also will remain available during this period. Some tax compliance lines also remain available. IRS phone lines supported by customer service representatives for both taxpayers and tax professionals are not staffed at this time. To check on regular tax refund status via automated phone, call 800-829-1954. (This line has no information on Economic Impact Payments.)

Practitioner Priority Service (PPS): Due to staff limitations the Practitioner Priority Service line is temporarily closed until further notice. The IRS is unable to process Centralized Authorization File (CAF) requests at this time.
IRS.gov remains the first option for answers to questions. Practitioners with e-Services accounts and with client authorization can access the Transcript Delivery System to obtain prior-year transcripts. Taxpayers should use Where’s My Refund? and Get Transcript, both common requests. However, the Get Transcript by Mail option should not be used since the offices that print and mail the transcripts are closed.

Taxpayer correspondence: While the IRS is receiving and storing mail, our mail processing functions have been scaled back to comply with social distancing recommendations. Currently, we have reduced responses to paper correspondence. Our primary concern is serving taxpayers as indicated in the People First Initiative, which includes numerous actions to alleviate taxpayer burden during this time.

Taxpayers who mail correspondence to the IRS during this period should expect to wait longer than usual for a response. Once normal operations resume it will take the IRS time to work through any correspondence backlog. Correspondence sent to IRS offices may be returned to the taxpayer if that office is closed and no one is available to accept them.

U.S. Residency Certification: The Philadelphia Accounts Management Campus is currently closed. Processing of the US Residency Certification Program is temporarily suspended. Normal operations will resume as soon as possible.

Taxpayer Protection Program: If you received correspondence from the IRS asking if you filed a suspicious tax return, you may use the online Identity Verification Service to validate your identity. Because the IRS cannot take calls or appointments right now, this is the only present option and is only for taxpayers who receive IRS letters asking them to authenticate their identity via online, telephone or in-person and confirm whether they filed the tax return in question.


Shared from the IRS page
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-urges-taxpayers-to-use-electronic-options-outlines-online-assistance

FTC: Remote learning and children’s privacy

Remote learning and children's privacy by Lisa Weintraub Schifferle - Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education "Social distancing," "shelter-in-place," "virtual happy hour" – these are some of the new expressions on everyone's lips the past few weeks. For many kids, parents, and teachers, add "remote learning" or "distance learning" to the list.  Because of Coronavirus-related school closures, millions of students are now learning from home. For parents who are concerned about the privacy and security of their children's personal data while they're learning online, here are some things to know. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/remote-learning-and-childrens-privacy?  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

---

FPAC and THE BLACK BOX Update

Dear FPAC Community and patrons of THE BLACK BOX,

I hope you are well as we navigate this incredibly difficult time. I wish the best possible for our artists, creatives, technicians, volunteers, patrons, donors, and sponsors as we strive to do our part, by staying home, to help mitigate the Coronavirus crisis. 

As many of you know and have experienced first-hand, the arts have the power to connect us and to heal. To that end, FPAC remains ready to welcome and entertain you as soon as it is safe to turn the lights back on at THE BLACK BOX.

Our goal is to reschedule all Franklin Performing Arts Company shows and events on the calendar at THE BLACK BOX. We eagerly await the time we can announce new dates, but for the time-being, the following shows and events are currently postponed:

• Legally Blonde The Musical
• Electric Youth In Concert
• Broadway In Franklin Weekend
• Culinary Cabaret
• FPAC 5K Road Race and 1 Mile Fun Run
• FPAC Golf Tournament

When new dates for these events are announced, those who currently hold tickets will be contacted first to choose a performance and exchange tickets. If you are unable to attend a postponed performance, please consider gifting your tickets to a friend, or donating your ticket purchase back to help support our company and venue. 

The outpouring of concern for FPAC and THE BLACK BOX has been heartening, and given the devastating financial impact on nonprofits like ours, we’ll be counting on you when it’s show time once again!

While our doors are closed, please like Franklin Performing Arts Company on Facebook (if you haven’t already!), and let us inspire you every night at 7:30 with “Great Performances …. At Home” featuring FPAC favorite performers on Facebook Live. I hope this provides a little entertainment and fun for you at home as we await the opportunity to get out of our living rooms and back on stage. 

And for now as you shop from home, please consider using AmazonSmile at https://smile.amazon.com/ and make FPAC your nonprofit of choice, thereby donating a small percentage of your purchase to FPAC. Kindly join us on social media - like, follow, comment, share! Expanding our reach on social media is something we can accomplish from home with your help.

Please stay home and be well. I can’t wait to see your smiling faces soon.

Best,

Raye Lynn 

 

FPAC and THE BLACK BOX Update

FM_#242- Sgt Brian Johnson - Check On Your Neighbors 4/6/20 (audio)

FM #242 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 242 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin Police Sgt Brian Johnson. Sgt Johnson is the Public Information Officer for the Police Dept and we had a great conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Can you have a conversation about the Franklin Police Dept and not discuss their four-legged star? Listen and hear how we had plenty to talk about; how the FPD is responding during this pandemic, how some personnel assignments have been juggled, how they can find time to help celebrate a birthday, and then the call to action to check on our neighbors (to see how they are faring in this period).

The recording runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sgt Johnson and hear about what is happening on the front lines with the Franklin Police Dept.   Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HBCcQh37




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

Police Dept page = https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department

Police Dept Twitter account = https://twitter.com/franklinpolice

Police Dept Facebook page = https://www.facebook.com/Franklin-Police-Department-162770995915/?fref=ts


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_#242- Sgt Brian Johnson - Check On Your Neighbors 4/6/20 (audio)

FM #239 Recreation Dept Director, Ryan Jette 4/02/20 (audio)

FM #239 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 239 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s Recreation Department Director Ryan Jette. We had this conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the Recreation activities underway, those being planned/and or rescheduled as needed in these times. Stay tuned for a new date for Earth Day, hopefully we’ll get a date when we can be out and about.

We also hear about a couple of construction projects that are on hold right now. You’ll hear about the work at Fletcher Field for the new street hockey and basketball court and with the safety netting at the high school ball fields.

This recording runs about 18 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Ryan and see what the Recreation Dept will have in store for us post-pandemic.

Audio file: https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HWhFv1l7




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

Recreation Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FranklinRecreationDepartment/

Recreation twitter account  https://twitter.com/FranklinRec

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 #239 Recreation Dept Director, Ryan Jette  4/02/20 (audio)

Goodness from the Twitterverse!

#1 - 
Jeff Melo (@Coach_MeloPE) tweeted at 1:19 PM on Wed, Apr 08, 2020:
@OakStElementary @jfkladybugs @parmenterschool @DT_Bobcats @JeffersonLabs @KellerSchool
@FPSHealthPE @FranklinPSNews @MrBanksPE @MrsCartersPE @MrsDoylePE @coachnordberg @MrMcCabePE @MrHendrixson @somegoodnews

Coming soon...
#PEatHome https://t.co/YoMptQhYWC
(https://twitter.com/Coach_MeloPE/status/1247937218720804870?s=03)

#PEatHome https://t.co/YoMptQhYWC

#2

Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) tweeted at 7:55 PM on Wed, Apr 08, 2020:

Making people happy one song at a time!

(https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1248036829137383424?s=03)

Making people happy one song at a time! https://t.co/kSiw7POkzS

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) April 8, 2020

#3

James H. Barrett (@MusicWithMrJHB) tweeted at 8:37 PM on Wed, Apr 08, 2020:

Acapella... first time using this app... wrote and recorded this in like 5 minutes... totally goofy... https://t.co/42ECFNkCnX @franklinculture @FranklinMatters @JeffersonLabs @DT_Bobcats @FCC02038 @FranklinHSMusic @RMS_Remdawgs @FranklinPSNews @FranklinEdOrg Thanks 4 listening!! https://t.co/s1alxIVxJZ

(https://twitter.com/MusicWithMrJHB/status/1248047472754253830?s=03)

Acapella... first time using this app... wrote and recorded this in like 5 minutes... totally goofy... https://t.co/42ECFNkCnX @franklinculture @FranklinMatters @JeffersonLabs @DT_Bobcats @FCC02038 @FranklinHSMusic @RMS_Remdawgs @FranklinPSNews @FranklinEdOrg Thanks 4 listening!! pic.twitter.com/s1alxIVxJZ

— James H. Barrett (@MusicWithMrJHB) April 9, 2020

Once Upon a Town: Schools - Franklin MA

Join Eamon McCarthy Earls and Joe Landry to learn about the "Schools of Franklin"

https://youtu.be/t_84bSElH30

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action

With all of us trying to cope, manage, and thrive in difficult situations, music is a well-acknowledged way to bring serenity and smiles to our faces. 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, donors, and families, The Encore Music Education Foundation (EMEF) continues to help sustain music students throughout the current crisis. 

In the last two weeks alone, EMEF has awarded over $1500.00 in grants to help families in need remain in the instrumental, vocal, and class environments that are more important than ever. Please read about some of our past scholarship recipients here! 

For more about Encore Music Education Foundation visit them online
https://www.wesupportmusic.org/emef-in-action-your-impact/ 

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Abby

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Arina

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Claire

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Prem

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Sunehri

In the News: exploring ‘new ways’ to pass State budget; public assistance programs

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Spilka: State exploring ‘new ways’ to pass budget

"Bills aimed at providing protection for renters and homeowners are among the Senate’s short-term COVID-19 response plans, and beyond that, Senate President Karen Spilka is looking at ways to keep the body running with most senators working remotely amid the ongoing public health crisis. 

“We’re just about to enter the surge. I think all of us need to keep our eye on the ball, or the surge, right now,” Spilka said Wednesday after virtually caucusing with Senate Democrats for upwards of three hours. “We just can’t take our eyes off of it.” 

Gov. Charlie Baker has projected the number of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts could reach its peak somewhere between Friday and April 20. A total of 16,790 people had tested positive for the coronavirus as of Wednesday afternoon, and 4 o’clock has become synonymous with grim daily updates of infection and virus death totals. 

Nearly a month after Baker declared a state of emergency, Spilka said the Legislature’s focus has remained on limiting spread of the virus and providing a safety net for residents whose lives have been disrupted."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200408/spilka-state-exploring-new-ways-to-pass-budget

MA residents leaning heavily on public assistance programs

"A flood of new applications surged into state social safety net programs in recent weeks, another piece of evidence reflecting widespread economic hardships brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Following Gov. Charlie Baker’s March 10 state of emergency declaration, the number of Massachusetts residents seeking government aid from three major programs rapidly increased as businesses were ordered to close and as layoffs spread widely. 

Total weekly applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (TAFDC) and the Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) more than tripled over the past month, state data show. 

The heightened need will get attention next week from the Legislature: on Monday, the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Committee will host a virtual hearing on a bill (H 4622) that would provide an extra month of TAFDC and EAEDC benefits to families in need."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200408/mass-residents-leaning-heavily-on-public-assistance-programs

FHS Announcement - Place Your Yearbook Order - Due April 17

FHS Announcement 

Place Your Yearbook Order 

Due April 17

Please click below for the link.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z7uEs16Uov2HHBGPn1xV73Wns9MjpysakvFUI26ipNI/edit

Thank you and take care.

FHS Announcement - Place Your Yearbook Order - Due April 17

Shared from the Franklin Public Schools page
https://www.franklinps.net/horacemann/news/announcement-place-your-yearbook-order-due-april-17

Attention Small Business Owners: Is Your Business on the Franklin Downtown Partnership list?

Attn Small Business Owners: Get on the Franklin Downtown Partnership List

FDP

The FDP is encouraging all Franklin small businesses to contact the FDP office at Downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com so they can list your updated business information on the FDP website. You do not need to be an FDP member to be listed.

The FDP's goal is to provide Franklin residents with one place they can visit for all updated information on local businesses ... and one website that lists all the small businesses that sell gift cards.

Also, any Franklin business owner who would like to receive the monthly FDP newsletter please contact the FDP office so you can be updated on Franklin local business updates.

Franklin Residents: Recreation COVID-19 News

Recreation COVID-19 News

All Town and Public Schools grounds, playgrounds, turf fields, grass fields, and the track are closed until further notice. 

Trails are still open, click here to learn more
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/431c30cda1e24123b5fe9795b5bae17c

Please practice social distancing and avoid groups.

For Recreation activities with arts and sports contests visit
https://sites.google.com/view/recdeptcovid-19contests/home?authuser=1

Franklin Residents: Recreation COVID-19 News

FM_#240 Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - Town business during the pandemic 4/06/20 (audio)

FM #240 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 240 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator and Anne Marie Tracey, Marketing and Communication Specialist. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the revised budget schedule and how the economic planning is fluid given the pandemic, how business is continuing although remotely, and highlight activities by the Library and Recreation Dept. We talk about remote meetings for the Planning Board, Board of Health, and others that are on the schedule.

The show notes include links to the web pages Anne Marie references. The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.

https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Town-of-Franklin-Updates-4720-ecgdoi/a-a1sh2dm




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

The Franklin Town budget page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/

The Town and School social media accounts https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/social-media-center

The current News and Alerts is where to find the daily MEMA update mentioned
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/current-news-and-alerts


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_#240 Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - Town business during the pandemic 4/06/20 (audio)

FM #238 Kristin Letendre - Mindfulness in a pandemic 4/03/20 (audio)

FM #238 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 238 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Kristin Letendre, Health and PE Director for the Franklin Public School district as well as a teacher at FHS. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about her work on the School Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC), on the Social Emotional Learning Committee, and importantly about keeping learning alive with her approach to mindfulness and a daily practice shared via Twitter.

This recording runs about 20 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Kristin and hear how a mindful approach can really provide help for us to be present during these challenging days.   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZB9N9D7




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

The Twitter account for FPS Health PE = https://twitter.com/FPSHealthPE

The Social Emotional Learning Committee has created this SEL page with resources and a monthly focus  https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/sel/home

Kristin is an adjunct professor at Bridgewater State
 https://www.bridgew.edu/department/movement-arts-health-promotion-leisure-studies/kristin-letendre 

Resources shared by Kristin as mentioned during our conversation:

Mindfulness

• Calm.com - Website including daily calms, body scans, and other mindful practices
• Headspace - App for incorporating mindfulness into your daily life
• Breathe - App designed to help people stop, breathe, think
• Insight Timer - App for sleep, anxiety and stress
• Stop Stress in its Tracks - American Heart Association
• Loving Kindness Meditation - American Heart Association
• Mindful Eating Article 
• Drawing Your Breath Activity
• Mindfulness Based Art Activities and Resources for Children and Parents
• Mindful Online Learning

Mindfulness Book Recommendations

• Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration  by Meera Lee Patel
• Made Out of Stars: A Journal for Self-Realization by Meera Lee Patel
• The Little Book of Mindfulness by Dr. Patrizia Collard
• Mindfulness for Teens in 10 Minutes a Day by Jennie Marie Battistin
• Present, Not Perfect: A Journal for Slowing Down, Letting Go, and Loving Who You Are by Aimee Chase
• Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in Everyday by Matthew Sockolov
• Choose The Life You Want: The Mindful Way to Happiness by Tal Ben-Shahar, PHD

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 #238 Kristin Letendre - Mindfulness in a pandemic 4/03/20 (audio)