Thursday, April 23, 2020

FM #251 Bryan Taberner, Planning and Community Development 4/16/20 (audio)

FM #251 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 251 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about how the Planning work, along with that of the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals is making progress in this new ‘normal’ of the pandemic world and virtual meetings.

Much of the current meeting agendas cover projects or matters that were already underway. They have held off on initiating new projects with public hearings for now. The fear is to be able to conduct business in this new manner and not have the results later challenged.

Our discussion also covers the major projects (Master Plan update, Hazard Mitigation Plan, Economic Plan from MAPC, etc.) and how these currently are delayed until how to incorporate public access including for those hearing impaired individuals. How do their needs get met via a Zoom meeting?

Attempting to end the conversation on other than a down note, we also talked about the Franklin Downtown Partnership efforts and other good opportunities that are rising to attempt to fill the gaps.

The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Bryan.  Audio file https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrXph087




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Planning Board  https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board
Zoning Board of Appeals  https://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals
Conservation Commission  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation
Dept of Planning and Community Development
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development

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!

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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"

FM #251 Bryan Taberner, Planning and Community Development 4/16/20 (audio)
FM #251 Bryan Taberner, Planning and Community Development 4/16/20 (audio)

Bridget Sweet on food safety and COVID-19 (audio)

Bridget Sweet. Chair of the Franklin Board of Health, recently did a culinary podcast regarding food safety and COVID-19.  This may be helpful to dispel some of the concerns about eating out. In the course of the discussion, they also gave a local business a shout out; Santa Fe Burrito Grill.

Jaime and Matt look for answers to their coronavirus related questions by connecting with Bridget Sweet, Exec. Director of Food Safety, at Johnson & Wales University. Their conversations tackle best practices as they relate to food delivery, take out and in store shopping.

Listen to Bridget here
http://culinarynowpodcast.buzzsprout.com/731372/3292906-bridget-sweet


Bridget Sweet on food safety and COVID-19 (audio)
Bridget Sweet on food safety and COVID-19 (audio)
 

“We’re used to it so we don’t think much of it"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"As most work places shut their doors, employees adjust to working from home and consumers get used to once-weekly shopping trips with face coverings and gloves, one South Shore business is working overtime to make sure airplanes, grocery stores and other essential spaces are still safe for the public: Clean Harbors.

“As it hit hot spots, so did we,” Clean Harbors Senior Vice President Chuck Geer said. “Our movements really did mimic the COVID-19 spread and our responses have spiked almost simultaneously with the virus cases.”

Clean Harbors is one of the nation’s leaders in decontamination, and has been for decades. The Norwell-based business has responded after major events such as the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the Gulf Oil Spill, as well as the swine flu spread and H1N1 scare, but as is true for most businesses, a pandemic is new territory.

“It’s completely new to us, America hasn’t seen a true pandemic like this and neither have we,” Geer said Tuesday. “But really, there are a lot of similarities between this kind of clean up and any type of infectious waste. . . The chemicals we use to destroy the virus may change up, but really it’s the same principal.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200422/massachusetts-company-clean-harbors-leads-decontamination-response-nationwide-during-coronavirus-pandemic


https://www.cleanharbors.com/
https://www.cleanharbors.com/

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting - Agenda - Executive Session - April 29

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda and Meeting Packet
April 29, 2020

Municipal Building First Floor Lobby
355 East Central Street 4:30 - 6:30 PM

1. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Collective Bargaining
i. I request a motion that the Board vote to convene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Board.
2. ADJOURN


https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/_2020-04-29_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting - Agenda - Executive Session - April 29
Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting - Agenda - Executive Session - April 29

HMEA's incredABLE Virtual Community Walk



Join Us for Our incredABLE Virtual Community Walk
We may not be able to physically be together for this incredABLE 5K,
but we can be together VIRTUALLY!

Here's how it works:

  • Share your personal page with your friends and family to get donations and recruit team members
  • You'll receive a link to the Virtual Community Walk that will take place via Zoom.
  • Tune-in on May 17 at 10:00 am to watch a 30 minute musical video timeline of HMEA's 5K over the past 19 years.
  • Do whatever kind of exercise you like - dance, walk, jog, march, hop to the music - and watch for photos of your friends, family and yourself!
The first 200 registered participants will receive an incredABLE 5K lunch tote and all registrants will receive an incredABLE 5K bracelet and insider info on contests, events, and more.
incredABLE Keep Moving Challenge
Just because you are stuck at home doesn't mean you shouldn't keep moving! Take a walk, do some yoga, stretch, follow an exercise video on YouTube, dance. How ever you can keep moving counts!
Here's how it works:

  • Start tracking your activity hours. You can use your favorite fitness app (examples: Fitbit, Pacer, Map My Fitness, Activity Tracker, My Fitness Pal) or we have a handy tracking sheet you can use, click here.
  • To be entered as a contestant, submit your name and accumulated activity hours from April 3 (or the date you began) to May 10 to tandryc@hmea.org before midnight May 10.
  • All contestants will be entered into a drawing to win a Fitbit® inspire HR™ Fitness Tracker Watch.

The winner will be announced during our
Live Virtual Awards Ceremony at 11:00 AM on May 17th on our Facebook page.

HMEA | 8 Forge Park East, Franklin, MA 02038
Sent by hmea@hmea.org in collaboration with
Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.
Try email marketing for free today!

Celebrate the Library's 220th Birthday with the Library Of Congress Collections App

To celebrate the 220th anniversary of its founding, the Library of Congress today announced the release of the LOC Collections app, the premiere mobile app that puts the national library's digital collections in the hands of users everywhere.
Library Of Congress Collections App
Library Of Congress Collections App


In addition to providing an easy, accessible way to search and explore the Library's growing digital collections, LOC Collections allows users to curate personal galleries of items in the Library's collections for their own reference and for sharing with others. Items currently featured on the app include audio recordings, books, videos, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, notated music, periodicals, photos, prints, and drawings.

"The Library of Congress collection can now fit in your pocket," said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. "The Library started 220 years ago with 740 books and three maps. Today, that collection has grown to make us the largest library in the world and a storehouse of our national history. It's been our goal to throw open our treasure chest and help every American connect to the Library of Congress. The LOC Collections app is a uniquely personal, easy new way to explore the nation's library."

Users can currently find the app for iPhone and iPad at the Library's website or the iTunes store. An Android version of the app is slated for release later in 2020.

Read the full news article online
https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-20-032/?loclr=ealn




Timeless CrossFit and Fitness: Free Workouts via YouTube Channel

FREE WORKOUTS FOR ALL!

My name is MC Alexander and I'm an owner at Timeless CrossFit and Fitness in Franklin.

We are all in this pandemic together and I want to help in my own way. I CAN HELP YOU MOVE! I'm offering FREE LIVE WORKOUTS on YOUTUBE for ANYONE who wants to join me! I have also posted and will continue to post workouts for anyone who needs them on our Channel. You just need to SUBSCRIBE to our: Timeless CrossFit and Fitness Channel and TURN ON your Notification.

We can workout LIVE together! Motivation and accountability is everything, let me help you!

Let me know what other 30 min blocks you may have open around school schedules and work and I can add in more times for you!

I'll be starting THIS FRIDAY !

WHEN: EVERY FRIDAY: 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
CLASS: Strength and Conditioning Interval Training (movements can ALL be modified, changed to meet your personal needs-always)

This class will have body weight movements, some dumbbell work. No dumbbells?, no problem!, any objects you have to work with will do. Every week will be a little different and REMEMBER: it's about moving so don't let " I don't have... " or " I can't do... "  YOU REALLY CAN!

See you this Friday-Set your Alarm/Calendar and please share this with your friends and anyone you know who could use a workout Buddy and some extra motivation!

I'm ALL IN!! ~MC ❤️ 💪🏻

https://youtu.be/DhUBWBPO5gY






Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Update on School Closure

April 21, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

Update on School Closure
Earlier today, Governor Baker announced that schools will be closed through the remainder of the school year. As such, FPS will continue with Remote Learning, following DESE guidance, for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. We anticipate additional DESE guidance will be issued towards the end of this week.

At the top of our minds at the moment is our graduating senior class; we are thinking of you and recognize the difficulty of hearing this news today. FHS administrators sent a message earlier today and conveyed that they are meeting with class officers and advisors later this week. We wish to emphasize excerpts from their message, which was shared with the Class of 2020 and their families:

“Even before this news we have been monitoring communication from the state as well as the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. We are collecting ideas and have begun exploring different options for non traditional graduation ceremonies....

● We are considering ALL options for how to keep (or reinvent) traditions to maintain the once in a lifetime atmosphere of the end of senior year. We are considering alternate locations, timelines, processes, digital events, etc...
● And MOST importantly. We miss you all, we love you, our hearts ache for what you have already missed, and we are constantly brainstorming ways to recapture the magic of your senior year!”

Indeed, we miss our students and our hearts go out to the members of our senior class and their families. We will continue to communicate with the Class of 2020 as well as the community about the developing plans and celebrations.

With the announcement of school closure, we anticipate opening the buildings again, thereby providing students with an opportunity to retrieve items. More information will be forthcoming about this.

We have received several questions about refunds of user fees, in light of today’s announcement. As mentioned at the April 14, 2020 School Committee meeting, refunds for user fees are under consideration, depending on the type of fee. More information will be coming soon about this and we appreciate your patience.

Feedback on Remote Learning
The first two weeks of Phase II of Remote Learning have concluded and the District is eager to gather system-wide feedback from our families and from our students. We will use this information to guide conversations and make adjustments, as appropriate. Please use the following link(s) to complete the surveys relevant to your family:

Elementary Parent/Guardian Survey: https://forms.gle/r9DWe819k8cFBn1L8

MS/HS Parent/Guardian Survey: https://forms.gle/sHwju4Wy9pT8EjFq9

Parent/Guardian surveys will close on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 8 PM.

Tomorrow, a survey will be sent directly to students in grades 6-12 to their @franklinps.net email addresses to learn more from them directly about their remote learning experiences. Please ask your child to check their school e-mail address.

School Lunch
Our Food Services Department has just been awarded a DESE/USDA grant, allowing for expansion of our offerings. Please see the additional attachment with an important update about school lunch being offered, Monday through Friday, from 11 AM to 1 PM to any child 21 years or younger.


Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 508-553-4819 with any questions. Please leave a voicemail. Although we are working remotely, voicemails are sent to email and will be responded to in a timely fashion.

Franklin Public Schools: Update on School Closure
Franklin Public Schools: Update on School Closure

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day

The Town of Franklin Recreation Department and the DPW are organizing an Earth Day clean clean up this week! We have modified our traditional approach to Earth Day, and are asking volunteers to help pick up trash in key areas across town, on their own.

See Earth Day 2020 map here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/2020_earth_day.pdf

When: 
  • Thursday, April 23, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Saturday, April 25, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
(no bags available on Friday, April 24th due to weather forecast)

Where: 
  • Pick up bags and gloves at Franklin Recreation Department at 275 Beaver Street in the parking lot.

We ask all volunteers to practice social distancing and wear protective masks and gloves when picking up bags and collecting trash. 

Please only take 2 per family to ensure we have enough for all participants. 

Once bags are filled with trash, we ask that you tie them up and leave on the side of the curb in a visible location. 

DPW workers will be picking up bags on Monday, April 27. 

Let's help clean up Franklin safely and responsibly. For more information or to contact us, please email: franklinrecreation@franklinma.gov

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pvG-VZZfAbBa5GJOWLwb3-SItQEMg2Ng/view?usp=sharing



Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day

Franklin Matters Radio Schedule for this week (4/22-24)

To listen, tune the radio dial to 102.9 or via a browser on a desktop, notebook or mobile device, go to wfpr.fm

Wednesday, Apr 22 - 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 8:00 PM

  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - “Talk Franklin” (recorded 4/17/20)

Thursday: Apr 23 - 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM

  • Franklin Public Library Staff discuss virtual services (recorded 4/14/20)

Friday, April 24 - 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 8:00 PM

  • Sgt Brian Johnson, Franklin Police - COVID-19 response 
  • Doug McPherson, HMEA Virtual 5K


These episodes are also available via the Franklin Matters podcast which you can find on iTunes, Google Podcast or many other podcast apps.

Franklin Matters Radio Schedule for this week (4/22-24)
Franklin Matters Radio Schedule for this week (4/22-24)

FHS Keep Music Alive #3

Hello! The next installment of "Keep Music Alive"  Please enjoy!

Ryan Padula - FHS Senior Pianist will be attending UMASS Amherst and studying Jazz performance.  Misty, performed by Ryan Padula
https://youtu.be/ykVZgcDv4Xo




Mr. Mickey Ireland - Remington Middle School Band Director
Yesterday by the Beatles - Clarinet Quartet
https://mixcord.co/acapella/p/e3_3RqF_N00bdV_kJWUWRQ/ 
 


--
Diane M. Plouffe
Director of Music
Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis

Good evening,

Thank you for attending the Enrollment Forecast Event in early March. I apologize for the delay, however I want to get back to you with further information from that evening.

We have created a district webpage to curate resources related to the analysis. You can access materials from that evening here:

https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis


Kind regards,
Sara


Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Franklin Public Schools


Video link to the March 5 info session at the Horace Mann Middle School cafe
https://youtu.be/b_e3O5LSESQ



Franklin Public Schools: Davis Thayer Facilties Analysis
Franklin Public Schools: Davis Thayer Faculties Analysis

"in a way that actually works and makes sense and keeps people safe"

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

"Gov. Charlie Baker hinted Tuesday that he plans to convene a group of public health, academic and business leaders to assemble a “thoughtful framework” for how Massachusetts might be able to resume more normal economic and social life once the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

At the same press conference in which he announced schools will stay closed through the end of the school year, Baker said he is more focused on the ongoing surge of COVID-19 patients than he is on making a decision about whether to extend restrictions on non-essential businesses beyond May 4. But he started his press conference by saying he wanted to address “what I think is on everybody’s mind, which is when does new normal get here?”

“Right now, the commonwealth is still in the surge ... the facts on the ground tell us that we need to stay strong, continue to socially distance and stay home. While we ask for your full cooperation to get this job done, please know that we’re working hard to think about a strategy to reopen the economy,” Baker said. “We’ll have much more to say about this in the days ahead as we pull together the best and brightest minds from our business and public health and academic communities to work together to put together a thoughtful framework that can work in Massachusetts.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200421/baker-looks-to-handle-re-entry-into-business-sensibly

Gov Baker Update on 4/21/20 = https://youtu.be/vU7DWq7Vk3o



Milford requires facial coverings in public

"Facial coverings are now a required accessory in Milford, according to an order issued Tuesday by the Board of Health.

″...the Coronavirus COVID-19 is a highly contagious and potentially fatal respiratory disease, the prevalence of which is increasing rapidly throughout the world, inclusive of the United States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” part of the order reads.

People older than 5 years must “wear a mask, or some form of suitable covering over their nose and mouth” when entering a building open to the public, using public transportation, taxis, or ride shares, and while using outdoor self-service facilities, such as a gas station. The order also includes broader language requiring a facial covering when “engaged in any activity within a confined or enclosed facility where other members of the public are present or have routine access.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200421/milford-requires-facial-coverings-in-public


State Rep Roy: Virtual Office Hours - Apr 24 - 8:30 AM

Topic: Rep Roy office hours
Time: Apr 24, 2020 08:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/99718285078
Meeting ID: 997 1828 5078

One tap mobile +19292056099,,99718285078# US (New York)

Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 997 1828 5078

Follow the Facebook event  https://www.facebook.com/events/690286435120556/

State Rep Roy: Virtual Office Hours - Apr 24 - 8:30 AM
State Rep Roy: Virtual Office Hours - Apr 24 - 8:30 AM 

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #14

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #14

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Dear friends,

A few quick updates for you about your government's response to the COVID-19 outbreak:

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Expansion: Many workers who previously did not qualify for traditional or extended unemployment insurance are now eligible to apply for Massachusetts' PUA program. The system finally opened yesterday. These workers include:

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

School Closures: Today Governor Baker announced that all Massachusetts public and private schools will remain closed through the end of the school year due to the coronavirus outbreak. Additionally, all non-emergency childcare programs will remain closed until June 29, with the exception of those that are serving first responders, grocery store employees, and other essential workers. The Governor had previously ordered schools remain closed until May 4th.

Eviction Moratorium: The Governor signed into law a bill temporarily pausing evictions and certain foreclosures during the coronavirus pandemic, which the House and Senate passed last week. The moratorium will remain in effect for 120 days, or 45 days after the coronavirus state of emergency expires, whichever is sooner.

As always, my team and I are here for you. Call us at 617-722-1555 or email me directly at becca.rausch@masenate.gov and one of us will get back to you as quickly as we can. Please follow me on Twitter and Facebook for real-time updates.

Wishing you and your families strength, health, and resilience.

Yours in service,

Senator Becca Rausch

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full contents
https://mailchi.mp/9fbcac98dea3/covid19-update-12316418?e=0c2c9810fe

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #14
Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #14