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Sunday, April 19, 2020
Reminder: LiveARTS a free concert - Apr 19 - 3 PM
Covid19 – Whack-a-Mole?
Numbers may provide truth, but we have an obligation to study – carefully.
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 04/19/2020
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/infection-trajectory-flattening-the-covid19-curve/
"How those numbers are framed, wrapped in context and presented to us can be misleading. Here is the latest W.H.O. logarithmic scaled chart of international progress. It shows us – s-l-o-w-l-y bending the curve of viral spread.
Note that this week Dr. Deborah Birx made a pointed statement about the preferred use of the Log chart. While that presentation form has its value, you can extract a clearer understanding of exactly where we are in mitigation by studying the Linear scale as well. The Log view would have you thinking that, all in all, we’re not that far off from other nations.
However, here’s the eye opener. Same chart. Linear scale.
This scale shows you how little progress we have made through tough mitigation. The bend is not really a bend. It’s what the ever-expanding scale of a Log chart produces when you hit a steady-state plateau ( currently, above 10,000/week ). This is nowhere near the CDC’s mitigation target of 420/week. This presentation indicates there is almost no ‘bend’ or true flattening. We have a very long way to go.
The false bend produced by the Logarithmic function creates a false impression –
that we can break out the champagne and declare victory. ( Your best bottle of bubbly, please ).
Not so fast. Look at China and South Korea. That’s very flat, even on a Linear scale. They got there by testing and more testing, isolation and more onerous isolation. Note that even as a flat trajectory at a very low rate compared to the U.S., their rate of new infection cases continues to double roughly every nine days or so. However slowly, the viral spread continues even under the best of mitigation efforts.
We once had 14,000 U.S. domestic flights. Even a minimum of that air traffic transports the virus at uncontainable rates. The virus continues to spread rapidly, freely hitchhiking about the country as it will. We will be stamping out viral fires, and locking down cities here and there, only to have more fires pop up elsewhere like a deadly game of Whack-a-Mole. These flareups will be our new normal until we can test and trace rapidly.
Now the President is encouraging an impatient citizenry to “liberate states”. They gather to protest – in crowds tight enough and large enough to spread the virus. Regardless of the hopeful mathematical models and projections we embrace today, when we change the input data, we change the outcome. We change our future.
‘Stay-at-home’ be damned. The emotionally infectious bravado of a protest crowd cannot protect it – or us. If the President pushes governors to ‘open up’ the country, some will comply. Those eager states will bring hurt upon us all.
Know that you are truly on your own regarding your personal health and safety. Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home. For your own sake, stay there.
We have no testing. The current rate of testing is effectively next to zero on a per capita basis. We can’t begin to trace or treat what we can’t meaningfully test.
May I suggest that the feds need to shove the cork back in the bottle for another day
– a day that’s far off in the future.
Help yourself and others. Find away to mask up. As a fashion statement: Mask is the new black.
And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching."
For the full program Guide for this week for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kGfjYFxFr-rj4wLVmnFBrs6WHSdsCuvJ/view?usp=sharing
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 04/19/2020
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/infection-trajectory-flattening-the-covid19-curve/
 |
| W.H.O. logarithmic scaled chart of international progress |
"How those numbers are framed, wrapped in context and presented to us can be misleading. Here is the latest W.H.O. logarithmic scaled chart of international progress. It shows us – s-l-o-w-l-y bending the curve of viral spread.
Note that this week Dr. Deborah Birx made a pointed statement about the preferred use of the Log chart. While that presentation form has its value, you can extract a clearer understanding of exactly where we are in mitigation by studying the Linear scale as well. The Log view would have you thinking that, all in all, we’re not that far off from other nations.
However, here’s the eye opener. Same chart. Linear scale.
 |
| the eye opener. Same chart. Linear scale |
This scale shows you how little progress we have made through tough mitigation. The bend is not really a bend. It’s what the ever-expanding scale of a Log chart produces when you hit a steady-state plateau ( currently, above 10,000/week ). This is nowhere near the CDC’s mitigation target of 420/week. This presentation indicates there is almost no ‘bend’ or true flattening. We have a very long way to go.
The false bend produced by the Logarithmic function creates a false impression –
that we can break out the champagne and declare victory. ( Your best bottle of bubbly, please ).
Not so fast. Look at China and South Korea. That’s very flat, even on a Linear scale. They got there by testing and more testing, isolation and more onerous isolation. Note that even as a flat trajectory at a very low rate compared to the U.S., their rate of new infection cases continues to double roughly every nine days or so. However slowly, the viral spread continues even under the best of mitigation efforts.
We once had 14,000 U.S. domestic flights. Even a minimum of that air traffic transports the virus at uncontainable rates. The virus continues to spread rapidly, freely hitchhiking about the country as it will. We will be stamping out viral fires, and locking down cities here and there, only to have more fires pop up elsewhere like a deadly game of Whack-a-Mole. These flareups will be our new normal until we can test and trace rapidly.
Now the President is encouraging an impatient citizenry to “liberate states”. They gather to protest – in crowds tight enough and large enough to spread the virus. Regardless of the hopeful mathematical models and projections we embrace today, when we change the input data, we change the outcome. We change our future.
‘Stay-at-home’ be damned. The emotionally infectious bravado of a protest crowd cannot protect it – or us. If the President pushes governors to ‘open up’ the country, some will comply. Those eager states will bring hurt upon us all.
Know that you are truly on your own regarding your personal health and safety. Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home. For your own sake, stay there.
We have no testing. The current rate of testing is effectively next to zero on a per capita basis. We can’t begin to trace or treat what we can’t meaningfully test.
May I suggest that the feds need to shove the cork back in the bottle for another day
– a day that’s far off in the future.
Help yourself and others. Find away to mask up. As a fashion statement: Mask is the new black.
And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching."
For the full program Guide for this week for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kGfjYFxFr-rj4wLVmnFBrs6WHSdsCuvJ/view?usp=sharing
FHS seniors get creative 'that way'!
"We'll Get It That Way.
#StaySenior
Enjoy:"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y-DGxhUYlXJumJF-5votDNXJ2x6c1LOj/view?usp=sharing
Shared via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1251681188093341697?s=09
#StaySenior
Enjoy:"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y-DGxhUYlXJumJF-5votDNXJ2x6c1LOj/view?usp=sharing
Shared via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1251681188093341697?s=09
FHS Student Podcast: "Predicting the 2020 American Presidential Election"
FHS "Senior Michael Richardson uses #datajournalism to predict who will win the Presidential Election. Check out his podcast here!https://youtu.be/GiXdn59nZSA
This is a student opinion piece and does not reflect the views of Panther TV, Franklin High School, or the Franklin Public School District."
Shared via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1251142025426108416?s=09
Massachusetts Legislature Passes Moratorium on Non-Essential Evictions and Foreclosures Amid COVID-19
The Massachusetts House of Representatives and State Senate on Friday passed legislation that will provide a critical safety net for renters, homeowners, and small businesses grappling with the economic fallout of the coronavirus public health emergency.
The legislation prohibits all non-essential evictions and foreclosures and provides mortgage borrowers with forbearance options and protects tenants from late fees as well as other protections.
“Staying home is an essential component to ending this pandemic, and the Massachusetts State Senate is committed to making sure that our residents will be allowed to stay in their homes for the duration of this public health crisis,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We are also protecting our small businesses and non-profits, which are particularly vulnerable during this pandemic. I would like to thank Speaker DeLeo and the House for their commitment to this issue, and particularly thank Senators Crighton and Rodrigues for working so hard to get this critical legislation across the finish line.”
“Our first priority is protecting those who are most vulnerable, and many homeowners and renters need relief now from the economic strains building as a result of this public health emergency,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D – Winthrop). “We acted to safeguard tenants and homeowners from economic insecurity during and for a period after the state of emergency ends. I am grateful to Senate President Spilka for her partnership on these issues, and I thank Chairs Honan and Michlewitz for their work with members and stakeholders in moving this bill forward.”
“As this public health crisis continues to unfold, we must do everything we can to address the urgent needs of our Commonwealth and ensure families can remain safe in their homes,” said Senator Michael Rodrigues, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D – Westport). “Thanks to the leadership of Senate President Spilka, the collaborative efforts of Senator Crighton, and the partnership of Speaker DeLeo, Chair Michlewitz and Representative Honan, the acceptance of this conference committee report demonstrates our commitment to protect renters, homeowners, and small businesses experiencing financial hardship during this uncertain time.”
"This legislation will offer much-needed assistance to thousands of the Commonwealth’s renters, homeowners, and small businesses," said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “During these difficult times, we need to be cognizant of our most vulnerable populations and help ensure that people will not lose their homes and businesses due to the effects of COVID-19. I want to thank Chairman Honan, Senator Crighton, and Senator Rodrigues for their partnership in getting this legislation passed quickly.”
“During these uncertain and extremely difficult times, no one should have to worry about losing their home,” said Senator Brendan Crighton, Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing (D- Lynn). “Thank you to Senate President Spilka, Chairman Rodrigues, my fellow legislators and the many stakeholders who worked to pass this crucial legislation that will protect renters and homeowners alike during this crisis.”
“This is one of the most significant pieces of legislation we will pass during this state of emergency,” said Representative Kevin G. Honan, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing (D-Boston). “It is important to remember that this is more than just a housing justice issue, it is a public health issue. In a time where our collective health and safety depends on the ability of each and every one of us to shelter in place, the need for housing stability has never been greater.”
To address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its adverse impacts on renters, homeowners and small businesses, the bill includes the following components:
• A moratorium on all stages of the eviction and foreclosure processes for 120 days from the enactment of the legislation or 45 days after the State of Emergency has been lifted, whichever period of time is shorter.
• Prohibits all non-essential evictions for residential properties and small businesses.
• Prohibits residential landlords from terminating tenancy and sending a notice to quit.
• Halts landlords from issuing late fees and reports to credit agencies for nonpayment of rent, provided that a tenant offers notice and documentation to the landlord within 30 days of the missed rent payment that the non-payment was related to a financial impact from COVID-19.
• Allows for video or telephone conferencing during the State of Emergency for reverse mortgage loans in lieu of in-person counseling until the State of Emergency order is lifted.
• Evictions may proceed during the moratorium for actions that involve allegations of criminal activity or lease violations that are detrimental to public health or public safety.
• Requires mortgage lenders to grant a forbearance of up to 180-days on required mortgage payments if homeowner submits request demonstrating financial hardship as result of COVID-19.
• Allows landlords to use a tenant’s last month rent for expenses like mortgages payments and property maintenance, while protecting tenant rights regarding rent paid in advance.
The bill, which is the latest action by the Legislature to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, now heads to the Governor.
The legislation prohibits all non-essential evictions and foreclosures and provides mortgage borrowers with forbearance options and protects tenants from late fees as well as other protections.
“Staying home is an essential component to ending this pandemic, and the Massachusetts State Senate is committed to making sure that our residents will be allowed to stay in their homes for the duration of this public health crisis,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We are also protecting our small businesses and non-profits, which are particularly vulnerable during this pandemic. I would like to thank Speaker DeLeo and the House for their commitment to this issue, and particularly thank Senators Crighton and Rodrigues for working so hard to get this critical legislation across the finish line.”
“Our first priority is protecting those who are most vulnerable, and many homeowners and renters need relief now from the economic strains building as a result of this public health emergency,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D – Winthrop). “We acted to safeguard tenants and homeowners from economic insecurity during and for a period after the state of emergency ends. I am grateful to Senate President Spilka for her partnership on these issues, and I thank Chairs Honan and Michlewitz for their work with members and stakeholders in moving this bill forward.”
“As this public health crisis continues to unfold, we must do everything we can to address the urgent needs of our Commonwealth and ensure families can remain safe in their homes,” said Senator Michael Rodrigues, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D – Westport). “Thanks to the leadership of Senate President Spilka, the collaborative efforts of Senator Crighton, and the partnership of Speaker DeLeo, Chair Michlewitz and Representative Honan, the acceptance of this conference committee report demonstrates our commitment to protect renters, homeowners, and small businesses experiencing financial hardship during this uncertain time.”
"This legislation will offer much-needed assistance to thousands of the Commonwealth’s renters, homeowners, and small businesses," said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “During these difficult times, we need to be cognizant of our most vulnerable populations and help ensure that people will not lose their homes and businesses due to the effects of COVID-19. I want to thank Chairman Honan, Senator Crighton, and Senator Rodrigues for their partnership in getting this legislation passed quickly.”
“During these uncertain and extremely difficult times, no one should have to worry about losing their home,” said Senator Brendan Crighton, Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing (D- Lynn). “Thank you to Senate President Spilka, Chairman Rodrigues, my fellow legislators and the many stakeholders who worked to pass this crucial legislation that will protect renters and homeowners alike during this crisis.”
“This is one of the most significant pieces of legislation we will pass during this state of emergency,” said Representative Kevin G. Honan, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing (D-Boston). “It is important to remember that this is more than just a housing justice issue, it is a public health issue. In a time where our collective health and safety depends on the ability of each and every one of us to shelter in place, the need for housing stability has never been greater.”
To address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its adverse impacts on renters, homeowners and small businesses, the bill includes the following components:
• A moratorium on all stages of the eviction and foreclosure processes for 120 days from the enactment of the legislation or 45 days after the State of Emergency has been lifted, whichever period of time is shorter.
• Prohibits all non-essential evictions for residential properties and small businesses.
• Prohibits residential landlords from terminating tenancy and sending a notice to quit.
• Halts landlords from issuing late fees and reports to credit agencies for nonpayment of rent, provided that a tenant offers notice and documentation to the landlord within 30 days of the missed rent payment that the non-payment was related to a financial impact from COVID-19.
• Allows for video or telephone conferencing during the State of Emergency for reverse mortgage loans in lieu of in-person counseling until the State of Emergency order is lifted.
• Evictions may proceed during the moratorium for actions that involve allegations of criminal activity or lease violations that are detrimental to public health or public safety.
• Requires mortgage lenders to grant a forbearance of up to 180-days on required mortgage payments if homeowner submits request demonstrating financial hardship as result of COVID-19.
• Allows landlords to use a tenant’s last month rent for expenses like mortgages payments and property maintenance, while protecting tenant rights regarding rent paid in advance.
The bill, which is the latest action by the Legislature to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, now heads to the Governor.
"whether it could potentially erode a sense of trust between school officials and students"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200418/natick-students-online-messages-on-school-platforms-are-analyzed-for-potential-danger-and-distress
"In these times of COVID-19, schools are closed, offices are shut down and families must coexist while sheltering in place.
The result is a spike in fear and a decrease in happiness nationwide, according to an artificial intelligence algorithm that analyzes more than a billion social media messages in the U.S. each day.
Some online messages created by Natick public school students are included in those billion-plus messages, because the district has a contract with Social Sentinel, a Burlington, Vermont-based company that created the algorithm.
“Any tool that has the potential to identify that someone is suffering, that extends the reach of what people can do, and does it faster, is worth having,” said Natick Superintendent of Schools Anna Nolin, explaining why the district contracted with Social Sentinel."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200418/natick-students-online-messages-on-school-platforms-are-analyzed-for-potential-danger-and-distress
Massachusetts Legislature Passes Legal Protections for Health Care Workers, Facilities, And Organizations Responding to COVID-19
The Massachusetts House of Representatives and State Senate on Friday passed legislation to shield those providing critical health care services from legal liability for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women in health care who continue to treat patients amid this public health pandemic,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D- Ashland). “This urgently needed legislation will ensure that our healthcare system will be able to expand capacity quickly to treat patients during the surge of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. I would like to acknowledge Senators Michael Rodrigues, Cindy Friedman and James Welch, as well as Speaker DeLeo and our colleagues in the House for expeditiously advancing this critical bill.”
"Our action today will protect our health care workers and health care facilities during this time of crisis as they work to care for an unprecedented number of patients,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D – Winthrop). “This legislation will give our health care providers a sense of relief as they heroically treat the residents of the Commonwealth. I appreciate the leadership of Senate President Spilka as well as the work of Chairs Michlewitz and Murphy to bring these issues forward.”
“With the COVID-19 surge now upon us, our health care system is under duress and being tested like it’s never been tested before,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “With the passage of this important legislation today, the Senate has acted with urgency to provide peace of mind protections to our front-line health care workers who are going above and beyond to help those in critical need of care during this incredibly difficult time.”
“This necessary legislation will provide much needed liability relief for our health care workers and facilities so they can continue to focus on combating the COVID-19 public health crisis," said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston).
“This is a major step in ensuring that we have the workforce necessary to address the healthcare needs of our residents during the current pandemic,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D- Arlington), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “This bill maximizes protections for a wide variety of healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 response, who are sometimes being asked to work in very unique settings like field hospitals and other locations. I want to thank the Senate President and Chair Rodrigues for recognizing the urgency of this issue and for moving this bill forward quickly.”
“Health care professionals from a variety of disciplines, and from different stages of their careers are risking their lives to join the fight against this pandemic,” said Senator James T. Welch (D- West Springfield). “As a Commonwealth, we owe it to these dedicated amazing medical personnel to relieve them of this burden. We have to show them that we value their courage and that we trust that they are giving the best possible care available for all patients.”
“During this time, we must do all that we can to protect front line workers,” said Representative James Murphy (D – Weymouth), Chair of the Financial Services Committee. “This legislation will go a long way to ensure that our health care professionals who are thrust into this worldwide pandemic are afforded vital legal protections enabling them to do their job in an extremely trying health care environment. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of them and I know together we will get through this.”
“The stress and strain imposed on health care professionals right now is unlike anything that they have endured; by taking legislative action we lessen some of that burden," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). "These healers are heroes and they deserve the legal protection to make good decisions based on their best medical judgement in this
uncharted territory.”
“Our health care professionals are on the front lines caring for COVID-19 patients while operating under extraordinarily difficult and strenuous conditions,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “Protecting these essential workers from the threat of lawsuits and civil liability will help make their jobs a little easier, while sending a strong message to the health care community that we fully support their continuing efforts to keep us all safe and healthy.”
Under the legislation, health care professionals, facilities and volunteer organizations assisting in the state’s efforts to respond and treat COVID-19 would be protected from suit and civil liability for alleged damages related to the virus. Health care facilities and professionals would still be subject to consumer complaints brought by the Attorney General and protections would not extend to acts of negligence, recklessness, or intent to harm or acts of discrimination. These protections would apply retroactively to March 10, 2020, and remain in effect for the duration of the State of Emergency.
The bill, which is the latest action by the Legislature to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, has been signed by the Governor.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women in health care who continue to treat patients amid this public health pandemic,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D- Ashland). “This urgently needed legislation will ensure that our healthcare system will be able to expand capacity quickly to treat patients during the surge of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. I would like to acknowledge Senators Michael Rodrigues, Cindy Friedman and James Welch, as well as Speaker DeLeo and our colleagues in the House for expeditiously advancing this critical bill.”
"Our action today will protect our health care workers and health care facilities during this time of crisis as they work to care for an unprecedented number of patients,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D – Winthrop). “This legislation will give our health care providers a sense of relief as they heroically treat the residents of the Commonwealth. I appreciate the leadership of Senate President Spilka as well as the work of Chairs Michlewitz and Murphy to bring these issues forward.”
“With the COVID-19 surge now upon us, our health care system is under duress and being tested like it’s never been tested before,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “With the passage of this important legislation today, the Senate has acted with urgency to provide peace of mind protections to our front-line health care workers who are going above and beyond to help those in critical need of care during this incredibly difficult time.”
“This necessary legislation will provide much needed liability relief for our health care workers and facilities so they can continue to focus on combating the COVID-19 public health crisis," said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston).
“This is a major step in ensuring that we have the workforce necessary to address the healthcare needs of our residents during the current pandemic,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D- Arlington), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “This bill maximizes protections for a wide variety of healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 response, who are sometimes being asked to work in very unique settings like field hospitals and other locations. I want to thank the Senate President and Chair Rodrigues for recognizing the urgency of this issue and for moving this bill forward quickly.”
“Health care professionals from a variety of disciplines, and from different stages of their careers are risking their lives to join the fight against this pandemic,” said Senator James T. Welch (D- West Springfield). “As a Commonwealth, we owe it to these dedicated amazing medical personnel to relieve them of this burden. We have to show them that we value their courage and that we trust that they are giving the best possible care available for all patients.”
“During this time, we must do all that we can to protect front line workers,” said Representative James Murphy (D – Weymouth), Chair of the Financial Services Committee. “This legislation will go a long way to ensure that our health care professionals who are thrust into this worldwide pandemic are afforded vital legal protections enabling them to do their job in an extremely trying health care environment. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of them and I know together we will get through this.”
“The stress and strain imposed on health care professionals right now is unlike anything that they have endured; by taking legislative action we lessen some of that burden," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). "These healers are heroes and they deserve the legal protection to make good decisions based on their best medical judgement in this
uncharted territory.”
“Our health care professionals are on the front lines caring for COVID-19 patients while operating under extraordinarily difficult and strenuous conditions,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “Protecting these essential workers from the threat of lawsuits and civil liability will help make their jobs a little easier, while sending a strong message to the health care community that we fully support their continuing efforts to keep us all safe and healthy.”
Under the legislation, health care professionals, facilities and volunteer organizations assisting in the state’s efforts to respond and treat COVID-19 would be protected from suit and civil liability for alleged damages related to the virus. Health care facilities and professionals would still be subject to consumer complaints brought by the Attorney General and protections would not extend to acts of negligence, recklessness, or intent to harm or acts of discrimination. These protections would apply retroactively to March 10, 2020, and remain in effect for the duration of the State of Emergency.
The bill, which is the latest action by the Legislature to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, has been signed by the Governor.
"The ruling allows for a limited use of electronic signatures"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200418/high-court-slashes-candidate-signature-requirements
"Solving an issue that Democrats have been at loggerheads over for weeks, the Supreme Judicial Court made clear Friday that the inaction of the Legislature left it with little choice but to intervene and reduce the signature-gathering requirements for candidates this year.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
The state’s highest court issued its ruling one day after hearing oral arguments in a lawsuit brought by three candidates running for offices with the highest and lowest requirements for collecting the signatures of voters.
The decision, written by Chief Justice Ralph Gants, ordered that requirements for all candidates seeking to appear on the Sept. 1 primary ballot be reduced by 50% in order to ensure easier access to the political process for office-seekers struggling to collect signatures from voters during the coronavirus pandemic.
The court also extended the deadline for candidates for state and county offices to submit signatures to local election clerks from April 28 until May 5, and will allow for some use of electronic signatures. The new May 5 deadline is consistent with the deadlines for candidates running for federal office."
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200418/high-court-slashes-candidate-signature-requirements
Strawberry Stroll - Canceled for 2020
"After thoughtful consideration, the board of the Franklin Downtown Partnership has regretfully decided to cancel this year’s Strawberry Stroll. Normally held in June, the Strawberry Stroll is a tremendous community event attracting thousands of people to downtown Franklin. Given the current pandemic, however, it is impossible to know if such a community gathering will be possible or safe in June. So the FDP Board has decided to plan for an even larger Harvest Festival on Oct. 3, 2020.
Strawberry Stroll Canceled for 2020
In place of the Strawberry Stroll, the FDP is developing several smaller events in late summer and early fall.
“We’re considering events such as restaurant walks, small business Tuesdays, and other promotional events geared towards rebuilding local business,” said Lisa Piana, executive director of the FDP. “We are planning to hold those events once social distancing guidelines have been relaxed or removed.”
If you have some creative ideas about smaller events the FDP could organize to support local business, please email Executive Director Lisa Piana."
For more about the Franklin Downtown Partnership visit their page
https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/
Saturday, April 18, 2020
Recycling Center open this weekend for Yard Waste Only
"DPW News:
Due to the storm this past week, we know many residents have yard waste to dispose of. The Recycling Center will be open THIS* WEEKEND ONLY for yard waste.
Saturday 8 AM - 3 PM and Sunday 9 AM - 1 PM. Only 5 customers at a time to practice and enforce social distancing.
Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1251152127902113794?s=09
* April 18, and April 19, 2020
 |
| Recycling Center open this weekend for Yard Waste Only |
Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #13
CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #13
Friday, April 17, 2020
Hi friends,
Warm greetings from virtual Beacon Hill. The Legislature has been hard at work this week. I was proud to participate in the first and second virtual public hearings ever to occur in Massachusetts, in my capacities as the Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs and a member of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. I expect more of these virtual hearings to come in the near future, especially with regard to election reform and my 2020 Vote By Mail Act. I've also been hard at work on efforts to support our first responders and public safety personnel.
We got some big news today in access to our democracy and elections -- the Supreme Judicial Court issued a ruling halving the signature requirements for all seats, pushing the deadline for signature submission back as far as it could go, and requiring the Secretary of the Commonwealth to go digital. I've supported signature reductions all along, and am glad to see this ruling.
As you likely know, we are in the coronavirus surge period. Everyone, please maintain extensive social distancing. Wear facial coverings if you need to go out in public, including going to the grocery store. Wash your hands. Stay hydrated. Get sleep. Get some exercise every day, preferably outside (if we're not in the middle of a massive wind and rainstorm). Be vigilant. We will get to the other side of this, eventually. The more safeguards and protections we maintain now, the quicker we'll get to recovery.
Thank you to those who have reached out to tell us that stimulus checks haven't arrived and unemployment claims have gone unanswered and small business loans aren't coming through. This is how we know to work these problems and push for solutions.
Yours in service,
This newsletter was shortened for publication here, to review the full set of contents visit this link https://mailchi.mp/3f60d12f7092/covid19-update-12314218
 |
| Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #13 |
FM #247 Doug McPherson HMEA Virtual IncredABLE 5K
FM #247 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 247 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug McPherson, Vice-President of Development and Public Relations for Horace Mann Education Association (HMEA). We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
In our first conversation, Doug and I talked about the preparation for the HMEA’s IncredABLE 5K scheduled for May 17, 2020. Alas, in this pandemic period, the road race, community walk, and family fun field day has been converted to a virtual event. Virtual? Yes, we talk about how you can run your 5K on a certified 5K course and send your results in to HEMA to count.
Our conversation includes the other elements of the virtual event still to occur on May 17, but all virtual, not on the fields at Dell/EMC.
The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Doug https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVMrv2m7
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https://www.hmea.org/incredable-5k/
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?
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!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug McPherson, Vice-President of Development and Public Relations for Horace Mann Education Association (HMEA). We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
In our first conversation, Doug and I talked about the preparation for the HMEA’s IncredABLE 5K scheduled for May 17, 2020. Alas, in this pandemic period, the road race, community walk, and family fun field day has been converted to a virtual event. Virtual? Yes, we talk about how you can run your 5K on a certified 5K course and send your results in to HEMA to count.
Our conversation includes the other elements of the virtual event still to occur on May 17, but all virtual, not on the fields at Dell/EMC.
The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Doug https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVMrv2m7
--------------
https://www.hmea.org/incredable-5k/
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"
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| FM #247 Doug McPherson HMEA Virtual IncredABLE 5K |
Panther News Special Edition: April 17, 2020 (YouTube)
Produced by Franklin High School's TV Production Program https://youtu.be/2rPz8u-PKnw
Shared from Twitter
https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1251139625185353728?s=09
Shared from Twitter
https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1251139625185353728?s=09
Franklin Public Library: Collecting images of the pandemic challenge
"The Library would like to collect images of Franklin’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic ranging from the good to the challenging.
Reply with the hashtag #FranklinStaysHome.
We will get through this together!"
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrkPublicLib/status/1250770410699984897?s=09
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| #FranklinStaysHome |
Franklin schools cancel Spring break
"School officials have voted to cancel April vacation this year, making the Franklin School District the latest to erase the spring break from their calendars.
Instead, the district - like others in the area - will continue with remote learning as students remain home during the coronavirus crisis.
Schools have now been closed for five weeks, with some having gotten more formal remote learning underway two or three weeks ago.
“This will provide for continuity at this time,” Franklin school officials noted in a statement issued on Wednesday."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200417/franklin-school-board-cancels-april-break/1
My notes from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/real-time-reporting-school-committee.html
The audio recording of the School Committee can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-246-school-committee-mtg-virtual.html
The Franklin Public Schools coronavirus portal page with all the information pertaining to the schools https://www.franklinps.net/district/pages/franklin-public-schools-covid-19-closure-information-portal
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| screengrab of the budget discussion portion of the School Committee meeting Tuesday, April 14, 2020 |
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