Franklin Residents: Recreation COVID-19 News Update

Franklin Earth Day (50th Anniversary)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/earth_day_flyer_final.pdf

Site Map
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/2020_earth_day.pdf

Playgrounds

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

On April 21, the Recreation Advisory Board and Director of Recreation will discuss the spring sports season through a virtual meeting. An official decision should be announced on April 27th with the assistance of all youth sports presidents.

Hello Franklin! We have created a Trails and Walking Paths site to serve as a resource to our community. During these unprecedented times, it is important to get outside and de-stress, while practicing social distancing! We hope you find it useful. Be well! https://bit.ly/3bDgozC

Please practice social distancing and avoid groups

Challenges and Contests

The Franklin Recreation Department is hosting the following challenges and contests to ALL residents during this stay at home quarantine. PRIZES will be awarded to the top winners and all winning videos and/or photographs will be posted on our website and social media.

https://sites.google.com/view/recdeptcovid-19contests/home?authuser=1

**REMEMBER these contests are to be done following the guidelines of social distancing. They are not to be done with a group of friends.**

Franklin Residents: Recreation COVID-19 News Update

50+ Job-seeker Virtual Group Meeting - Monday 4/27/20

Monday, April 27  1– 4 PM

• Video Interview Preparation and Strategy
• How do I Land on the Short List?

Facilitator: Edward Lawrence; Career Coach
Co-facilitator: Ashley Shaheen; Asst. Director of Senior Services
Guest Speaker: David Bayuk, Business Development Manager at Experis.

David is one of our most popular guest speakers. With over 28 years of experience as a Business Development Manager, recruiter, team manager and trainer in the talent acquisition industry, David has a wealth of experience providing clients and candidates the best of all worlds.

David has worked with all career levels and has successfully placed hundreds of candidates into the next phase of their careers. David has strong relationships with hiring managers throughout the area and is prepared to help both clients and candidates fulfill their needs. He is the recipient of several awards, including the Dale Carnegie Sales training course, President's Clubs and many other achievements. He lives on the North Shore of Massachusetts with his wife and two children.

This session focuses on two aspects of the interview process.

First, we will focus on interview preparation, including the types of interviews, key components of an interview, and types of interview questions.

Then we will discuss interview strategy: How do you distinguish yourself from the field of other candidates? What must you do to navigate the weeding out process and ensure you are one of the finalists? What should you do after the interview to ensure you remain under consideration?

Program Pre-Registration (once per town location) is required: https://50plusjobseekers.org/outreach/registration/

Registration is required for this specific online meeting:

• After you register for the 50+ Program, we will place you on a list to receive promos that contain a meeting's registration information.
• If you have registered previously with the town that virtually hosts the session, there is no need for you to register again.

For additional information about this program, please contact Ashley Shaheen Assistant Director, Hopkinton Senior Center; ashaheen@hopkintonma.gov; (508) 497-9730.

50+ Job-seeker Virtual Group Meeting - Monday 4/27/20

In the News: A new job in a time of chaos; school buildings to remain closed for school year

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

"Ann Mariano had just settled into her role as the district’s new technology chief when she unexpectedly had to get computers into the hands of some 2,000 students as fast as possible.

Schools were shuttered temporarily at first due to the COVID-19 threat, but most school officials realized the closures would become long-term. On March 20, she and other officials scrambled to get thousands of Chromebooks out to students who would need them to take part in remote learning. Devices were readied for distribution that evening, with school officials rapidly crafting a way to keep track of which student had what device.

“Everyone was chipping in. We were constantly trying to think of what the next thing would be,” said Mariano, of Franklin. “The biggest lesson I’ve taken away from this is how everyone is part of the puzzle.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200421/new-job-in-time-of-chaos-as-framingham-schools-tech-chief-franklin-woman-fills-tall-order

"School buildings in Massachusetts will remain closed through the end of the academic year, but remote learning will continue, Gov. Charlie Baker announced Tuesday.

There hasn’t been any strong guidance about how to operate schools safely as the state works to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the Republican governor said.

“We believe therefore that students cannot safety return to school,” Baker said.

All non-emergency child care programs will remain closed until June 29, he added. Right now, there are 523 emergency child care programs statewide serving families of essential workers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200421/updated-massachusetts-schools-closed-for-rest-of-academic-year-as-coronavirus-cases-surge

school buildings to remain closed for school year

Town of Franklin: Special COVID-19 Town Department Roundtable

Special COVID-19 Town Department Roundtable

Remote Meeting - Held on “ZOOM” Platform 4:30 - 6:30 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.

● Link to access meeting: April 22, 2020 Town Council Meeting Link HERE* -- Then click “Open Zoom”

● Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 928 8757 4249 --Then press #

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

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. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSION

a. Coronavirus Updates: When will Franklin Businesses Reopen, when and how?

A Community Conversation with a Town Department Head Roundtable including Town Administrator Jamie Hellen; Town Attorney Mark Cerel; Board of Health Chair, Bridget Sweet; Health Department Staff, Cathy Liberty and Ginny McNeil; Chief of Police TJ Lynch; Fire Chief Jim McLaughlin; and Building Inspector Gus Brown.

3. ADJOURN


*For meeting security, residents should take the extra step to find the access code in the Town of Franklin PDF (this should eliminate all but the seriously nefarious folks)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-04-22_town_council_agenda_1.pdf

Town of Franklin: Special COVID-19 Town Department Roundtable

FM #248 Franklin Public Library Staff Discuss Virtual Services - 4/14/20 (audio)

FM #248 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 248 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with the entire Franklin Public Library staff. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about how the Library has become virtual continuing to provide services. I learned that in addition to the Library page, Facebook, and Instagram, they also have a TikTok and YouTube presence.

There are 75 databases that are online and available to us. Virtual storytelling, 2 minute book reviews, scavenger hunts, and the re-introduction of “doggie tales” scheduled for a virtual event are among the topics covered.

The Library is so much more than the 4 walls (really more than 4 anyway) as the services and resources they provide online we become aware of and can utilize during this period (and beyond).

Many of the online resources are available with your library card and pin. If you don’t have one, you can apply for a virtual one which will be good for 6 months.

The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Felicia and all the librarians  

Audio Link = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HycJ1xy7




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

Franklin Public Library page https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library
Twitter account https://twitter.com/FrkPublicLib
YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAzwQ_NxELskMbJw1yWMpjQ/featured
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FranklinPublicLibrary/
Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/franklinpubliclibrary/


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 #248 Franklin Public Library Staff Discuss Virtual Services - 4/14/20 (audio)

Once Upon A Town: Metcalf Block, Butman Bldg, Franklin Diner - Franklin MA

Join Eamon McCarthy Earls and Joe Landry to learn about the Metcalf Block, Butman Building, and Franklin Diner on Main Street.

https://youtu.be/11_7zClTM8Y

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 in March. Every night at 7:30 PM EST, a special guest goes live on the Franklin Performing Arts Company Facebook page for a mini-performance. 

Guests to date have included Broadway’s Kara Lindsay (Newsies, WICKED, Beautiful), Emily Koch (WICKED, Waitress), Christopher Rice (currently on the tour of Hamilton), Clay Thomson (Newsies, Matilda, KING KONG), Kevin Massey (Tarzan, Gentleman’s Guide), Ben Cameron (WICKED, Footloose), 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, Ali Funkhouser, and Katie Gray.

Ben Cameron

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)

COVID-19 data visualizations

World Health Org data  https://covid19.who.int/


Data visualizations for COVID-19
https://informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/covid-19-coronavirus-infographic-datapack/

Data visualizations for COVID-19

John Hopkins Interactive map (selected for MA and Norfolk County)
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/us-map

John Hopkins Interactive map (selected for MA and Norfolk County)

WHO Sets 6 Conditions For Ending A Coronavirus Lockdown

Via NPR from the World Health Organization

"One of the main things we’ve learned is that the faster all cases are found, tested and isolated, the harder we make it for this virus to spread. This principle will save lives and mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic."

Read the full doc here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CJCBEbSSej4Va2Yh_0n4RElSBNq10eEI/view?usp=sharing


The strategy documents from the CDC and the White House were released last week and can be found here:

• CDC "Work for America" plan https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KFiHXRQvTXCScL9J450JIfkdqbEYXGwg/view?usp=sharing
• White House "Opening Up America Again" Plan https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jt_nLvQAfmMVh2_X0mU5ASQYn40iWcLG/view?usp=sharing

Article at NPR: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/15/834021103/who-sets-6-conditions-for-ending-a-coronavirus-lockdown

WHO Sets 6 Conditions For Ending A Coronavirus Lockdown

United Chamber: Up-to-Date Information and Resources

Good Afternoon All,

During these crazy times we know most of you are working remotely and/or working from home. Your Chamber team is in the office every day and we want to be able to be an information resource for you and your business.

We want to be provide all of our members the most up-to-date information and resources available. At this time we do not have the staff or the talent to update our website as often as the information is being sent to us so we have been posting all of the information, links, etc. to our Facebook page.

Please like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRegional/ to keep up-to-date with the information we receive from the local, State and Federal resources.

Thank you and we hope everyone stays self and healthy.

Jack


Jack Lank, IOM
President and CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762
Phone: 508-316-0861

www.unitedregionalchamber.org "People Do Business With People They Know"

United Chamber: Up-to-Date Information and Resources

Intermission Cafe presents Virtual Coffee Houses

During this time of social distancing, Intermission Cafe is collaborating with the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) to offer virtual entertainment and community. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 4:00 PM on Intermission’s Facebook page, Intermission will host a “Virtual Coffee House” featuring live music by the talented students and alumni of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts.

Intermission has previously hosted FSPA students and alumni to present pop, rock, folk, and contemporary musical theater songs in a coffee house format at the cafe itself. Intermission is opening its doors virtually to entertain customers in an interactive and engaging format of popular songs. Performers will converse with their audience sharing interesting facts and stories about the music and original artists they have chosen to perform.

To view the live and past Virtual Coffee House performances, follow Intermission on Facebook. Patrons can also follow Intermission on Instagram (@intermissioncafe). The cafe is located at 36 Main Street (rear) in downtown Franklin.

FSPA alum Griffin Wilkins and current FSPA student Caroline Wilkins

50+ Job Seekers Session - Networking while Virtual - Friday - April 24

The topic for this Friday's session will be Networking.

I'll review the general theories of networking and we will discuss how to network while most people are stuck at home.

We will use the Zoom breakout rooms to allow networking in "tables."


If you are interested in attending and have not yet registered for the 50+ Jobseekers program, please register at https://50plusjobseekers.org/outreach/registration/


Once you register, my co-facilitator and I will be notified, and we will add you to our mailing list for invitations to specific virtual sessions.


Ed Lawrence

50+ Group Leader for Franklin and Hopkinton

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R3PvptBpd269fGVIz39lj9O7uknYeODQ/view?usp=sharing

50+ Job Seekers Session - Friday - April 24

Act Now – Go to IRS.gov – A Message from Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul

Act Now – Go to IRS.gov

A Message from Social Security Commissioner

Andrew Saul

Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who don’t file tax returns will start receiving their automatic Economic Impact Payments directly from the Treasury Department soon.

People receiving benefits who did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes, and have qualifying children under age 17, however, should not wait for their automatic $1,200 individual payment. They should immediately go to the IRS’s webpage and visit the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here section to provide their information.

Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance beneficiaries with dependent children and who did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes need to act by Wednesday, April 22, in order to receive additional payments for their eligible children quickly.

SSI recipients need to take this action by later this month; a specific date will be available soon.

Continue reading →
https://blog.ssa.gov/act-now-go-to-irs-gov-a-message-from-social-security-commissioner-andrew-saul/

Act Now – Go to IRS.gov – A Message from Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) beginning at 8:30 AM today (4/20/20)

Good morning:

We are happy to announce that claimants will be able to file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) beginning at 8:30 AM today.

They can do so by applying at: www.mass.gov/pua

PUA is a program open to the following individuals:

• Self-employed individuals, including gig workers, freelancers, and independent contractors
• Those seeking part-time employment
• Claimants that have an insufficient work history to qualify for benefits
• And claimants that have been laid off from churches and religious institutions and are not eligible for benefits under state law

As PUA is a separate program from regular unemployment insurance, we ask that you send constituent inquiries to Jennifer Lavin at PUAconstituentservices@detma.org

The DUA constituent service team (like Mavis Smith, for example) does not have access to the PUA platform, so they will not be able to help you with these claims. If you have policy questions please do not hesitate to reach out to Jessica.muradian@mass.gov.

Thank you,


Jessica Muradian
Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Legislative Affairs and Policy
Office: (617) 626-7123
Jessica.Muradian@State.ma.us

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) beginning at 8:30 AM today (4/20/20)

Please Respond Today to the 2020 Census

We have reached 65.5% Franklin, there is still time to go beyond 80% (actually did 79.9% in the 2010 Census)

"The 2020 Census is underway and more households across America are responding every day. Over 70 million households have responded to date, representing 48.1% of all households in America. Make sure that you and your friends and family are included in this once-a-decade count.

Help us spread the word: Everyone can respond to the 2020 Census online in one of 13 languages, with assistance available in many more.

Please note: About 64 million households across the nation will receive a paper questionnaire in the coming days. If you receive mail after you have responded, you should disregard it. It was sent before we received your response."

https://2020census.gov/en.html

Visit the 2020 Census response rate map  https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html

The current (as of Sunday, April 19, 2020) results for Franklin:
https://public.tableau.com/shared/6NJX6JC3B?:tabs=n&:display_count=n&:origin=viz_share_link&:embed=y

Please Respond Today to the 2020 Census