Sunday, April 26, 2020

FM #254 Talk Franklin - Hellen and Tracey 4/24/20 (audio)

FM #254 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 254 in the series.

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

We talked to recap the Town Council special meeting on how and when to re-open for business, the upcoming Board of Health meeting to review the current stand on masks, the Economic Development meeting getting into inclusionary zoning, the ‘spring training’ approach to the budget with a meeting on May 4, and the Department Spotlight to highlight some of the good work being done by the departments in Town.

The recording runs almost about 65 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HWwCpCQ7





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The Town of Franklin COVID-19 information portal
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal



The first Dept Spotlight  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/introducing-department-spotlights


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 #254 Talk Franklin - Hellen and Tracey 4/24/20 (audio)
FM #254 Talk Franklin - Hellen and Tracey 4/24/20 (audio)

COVID-19 Community Tracing Team: "Just answer the call"






COVID-19 Community Tracing Team: "Just answer the call"
COVID-19 Community Tracing Team: "Just answer the call"

Shared via Twitter
https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1254116321052295169?s=03

For more about Community Tracing
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-the-community-tracing-collaborative

“We also see little glimmers of hope all around us”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"It’s all going to depend on the data.

Gov. Charlie Baker would not say Friday afternoon whether he plans to extend the economic shutdown currently due to expire May 4, but he detailed what he will be looking at when it comes time to make that decision.

“We are still in this surge and we need to recognize that this insidious and often invisible virus is still making people here in Massachusetts very sick,” the governor said. He later added, “Our view going forward here is going to be that until we start to see some of that kind of information - the peaking of the surge and the move in the other direction - for some sustained period of time, we’re not going to be interested in reopening anything.”

Baker previously has pointed to White House guidance that recommended states could begin to resume greater levels of economic activity after documenting 14 days of declining case counts and on Friday said his administration plans to follow guidance from the federal government, other countries and public health experts before planning an economic reopening. He said Friday that the duration of positive trends necessary to reopen “varies depending upon who you talk to.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200425/data-trends-in-massachusetts-will-dictate-timing-of-economic-reopening

COVID-19 Update from Friday, Apr 24, 2020  https://youtu.be/m7FRXO-tLW0

Dry-land activities to do until you get in the water

From the Hockomock YMCA:
"Our YMCA Aquatics team has put together dry-land home activities—no pool required! These home activities help to develop good form and build stamina. When the skill has been mastered on land, it becomes easier to perform in the water."
Find the listing of activities on their page
https://www.hockymca.org/swim-lessons-home-activities/

Dry-land activities to do until you get in the water
Dry-land activities to do until you get in the water


Please Respond Today to the 2020 Census

We have reached a 68.4% response rate for Franklin, there is still time to get beyond 80% (Franklin 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 Friday, April 24, 2020) results for Franklin:

 
Please Respond Today to the 2020 Census
Please Respond Today to the 2020 Census

Saturday, April 25, 2020

FM #249 Town Clerk Teresa Burr; Asst Clerk Nancy Danelo 4/15/20 (audio)

FM #249 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 249 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Clerk Teresa Burr and Assistant Clerk Nancy Danelo. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about how the Town Clerk’s office has become virtual continuing to provide most services. They are not currently providing notary public services or accepting marriage intentions at this time. Some other services may take time to turn around but are still being processed.

The one service completion that is not being done at this time is to acknowledge the voter registrations done online or through the registry. Those records are still coming in but are not yet being acknowledged by the office.

Our discussion includes a conversation on the two censuses underway. The annual Town census was in the process of being wrapped up when the shutdown occurred. If you have not yet completed the Town census please send it back or drop it in the white box on the corner of the building.

The Federal 2020 Census is also underway and is important to complete.

The recording runs about 12 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Teresa and Nancy   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HN4DNTz7



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The Town Clerk page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk
Online Payments page  https://www.franklinma.gov/files

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 #249 Town Clerk Teresa Burr; Asst Clerk Nancy Danelo 4/15/20 (audio)
FM #249 Town Clerk Teresa Burr; Asst Clerk Nancy Danelo 4/15/20 (audio)

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #15

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #15

Friday, April 24, 2020


Hi friends,

I hope everyone is hanging in, especially with this dreary weather. I write with something fun: the next episode of Low Budget Beacon Hill! We're in a pandemic period for the long haul, so I hope this brings a little entertainment. In Episode 3, Rep. Maria Robinson and I went extra-low budget (I'm actually sitting on the floor the whole time) to shed some light on legislating in the time of coronavirus. Watch to the end for the most amusing parts.

We've received plenty of questions from constituents about how the Massachusetts State Government has continued operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. We answer lots of important questions, including:
  • How are decisions made during a state of emergency?
  • How does the legislature vote and operate while practicing social distancing?
  • How does the COVID-19 response differ between the state and federal government?
  • Did you remember to clean out your child's lunchbox?

In addition, my team and I held our third virtual office hours today, with a packed schedule and detailed conversations with constituents from across the district. We've also been hard at work on the 2020 Vote By Mail Act… more on that below.

...

Remember, there’s plenty for each of us to do to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe, like wearing a face covering when you go out in public. I’ve also donated blood and we’re participating in take-out Tuesday to help our local restaurants stay afloat! I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to … please join the social media conversation.

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


YouTube Link "Low-Budget Beacon Hill Episode 3: Legislating in the Time of Coronavirus" =
https://youtu.be/Jf-VReAyoCs




The newsletter was shortened for publication here, To review the full set of contents   https://mailchi.mp/7a8ac519649e/covid19-update-12318730?e=0c2c9810fe

Panther TV News - Special edition - April 24, 2020

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) tweeted at 8:40 AM on Fri, Apr 24, 2020:
"@dannyhar562 is still hopeful for the senior class. He shares the work being done behind the scenes toward graduation and other events, on this week's Panther News! "
https://youtu.be/lBIym5RrpIk




Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1253665100659122177?s=03



Stadium lights to honor the Class of 2020

"To the Class of 2020, we are all thinking of you and wishing you the best! The future is bright!"



Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1253773337140047873?s=09

Stadium lights to honor the Class of 2020
Stadium lights to honor the Class of 2020

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Agenda - April 27, 2020

FRANKLIN BOARD OF HEALTH AGENDA
Monday, April 27, 2020
5:00 PM

Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Board of Health 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:https://zoom.us/j/96430631913?pwd=TThxaDBJbjZWY3g2YkJpSmlGQmptUT09

Call in number: 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID# 964 3063 1913 Password: 551053 … Then press #


1) NEW BUSINESS
  • A. Discussion pertaining to individuals wearing a cloth covering the nose and mouth in essential businesses.
  • B. Discussion of essential businesses and restaurants selling groceries during outbreak.

Chairman opens the floor for any other new business

2) CITIZENS COMMENTARY

3) ADJOURNMENT


Find the Agenda doc on the Board of Health page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/agenda-4-27-2020_.pdf

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Agenda - Arpil 27, 2020
Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Agenda - Arpil 27, 2020

Simplerecycling Curbside Clothing Program Resumes on Monday, April 27

Simplerecycling Curbside Clothing Program 
Starts on Monday, April 27



Good News, the Simplerecycling curbside clothing pink bag recycling starts again on Monday, April 27.

Review our website https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste for more information. Simplerecycling is also available at https://simplerecycling.com/

Please help us out by recycling more clothes than ever before which helps the Franklin Solid Waste program.

We need your support now more than ever.

Thank You


Simplerecycling Curbside Clothing Program Resumes on Monday, April 27
Simplerecycling Curbside Clothing Program Resumes on Monday, April 27

"9 Ways Schools Will Look Different When (And If) They Reopen"

While some folks are upset schools are closed for the remainder of this school year, let's think about what they should look like when they do re-open. Jessica Minahan shared this NPR article as "food for thought."


"9 Ways Schools Will Look Different When (And If) They Reopen"

"Three-quarters of U.S. states have now officially closed their schools for the rest of the academic year. While remote learning continues, summer is a question mark, and attention is already starting to turn to next fall.

Recently, governors including California's Gavin Newsom and New York's Andrew Cuomo have started to talk about what school reopening might look like. And a federal government plan for reopening, according to The Washington Post, says that getting kids back in classrooms or other group care is the first priority for getting back to normal.

But there are still many more unknowns than guarantees. Among the biggest, says Lily Eskelsen Garcia, president of the National Education Association, the nation's largest teachers union, is this: "Is it safe and healthy for my kids to pack them into that classroom?"

Here are nine key ideas — drawn from interviews with public health experts, education officials and educators around the country — for what reopening might look like."

Continue reading about the 9 ideas online
https://www.npr.org/2020/04/24/842528906/what-it-might-look-like-to-safely-reopen-schools

Shared from Jessica Minahan via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/jessica_minahan/status/1253702816583102464?s=03

"9 Ways Schools Will Look Different When (And If) They Reopen"
"9 Ways Schools Will Look Different When (And If) They Reopen"

In the News: community volunteers making roughly 350 gowns daily; Stop & Stop won’t refuse service to those without masks

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The registered nurse who works at Milford Regional Medical Center was worried about the dwindling supply of personal protective equipment, especially gowns that help reduce the spread of infection to medical center employees who are treating COVID-19 patients.

So Nadeau had an idea. What if there was a way to incorporate the plastic sheets that greenhouses use to protect plants and turn them into medical gowns?

Three weeks ago in the middle of the night, she searched the internet, and found instructions that showed it could be done. She made a prototype out of a trash bag and showed it to Nicole Thyne, executive vice-president and chief operating officer at Milford Regional."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200424/this-is-life-saving-work-volunteers-crank-out-protective-gowns-for-milford-regional-medical-center


Stop & Shop won’t turn away customers who fail to cover their faces, a widely-suggested way to curb the spread of the coronavirus, according to a company spokesperson.

“Our associates will not deny entry to a customer who is not wearing a mask in an effort to prevent potential conflict and to help ensure the safety of our associates,” Stop & Shop External Communications and Community Relations Manager Maria Fruci told the Daily News in an email this week.

The policy applies even in communities where local health officials have issued orders requiring residents wear facial coverings, including as Bellingham, Milford, and Framingham.

“Stop & Shop associates are speaking directly with customers who are not wearing a face covering to remind them of the new mandate,” Fruci said. “Those who are not wearing a mask are asked to expedite their shopping trip and wear a mask next time.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200424/stop-amp-stop-wont-refuse-service-to-those-without-masks

Stop & Shop
Stop & Shop

Friday, April 24, 2020

Franklin Food Pantry: Thank you for showing us that we are all in this together

"The past few months have been challenging to say the least. In early March when we were faced with the start of the Covid-19 crisis we weren't sure what was going to happen. We didn't know how many new neighbors we'd need to welcome into our Pantry and we didn't know how we'd be able to serve them and all of our existing neighbors.

Almost overnight we were able to change our operations and serve our neighbors with a prepackaged bag of self stable foods, fresh produce and choice of protein via a drive up service. We were ready to help them and we will continue to be ready to serve throughout this pandemic and whenever this pandemic is over, we will be ready to serve all those who need this.

We couldn't do this without you. Through your generosity, you have helped us meet our neighbors' needs. Every donation coming in allows us to purchase fresh produce, shelf-stable food, proteins like frozen beef and chicken, and even bags to pack the food in. Your support also allows us to keep the lights on, fill the Pantry truck with gas, and keep our doors open for all who need us.

Our local businesses have also stepped up to help us. Thank you to:
  • JH Pokory Associates
  • CVS
  • Target
  • Thermo Fisher
  • Wal-Mart
Again, thank you. This experience, while being so uncertain and sad, has also shown us such hope. Margaret Mead said it best, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Your generosity and thoughtfulness is making Franklin just a little bit brighter. You inspire us everyday. Thank you for showing us - and the community - that we are all in this together. "


https://youtu.be/zA_yhDFwWKE


To donate to the Franklin Food Pantry  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/
 



GoFundMe for FHS wrestling coach: Carmine Colace


"In a time of a tragic pandemic, small businesses are struggling to pay their bills. One of these businesses, New England Gold Wrestling Club, is owned by legendary Franklin High School wrestling coach, Carmine Colace. Carmine has transformed hundreds of lives not only in the town of Franklin but all over the New England region.
In these troubling times, we hope to help support Carmine pay for rent and prepare for when he re-opens. Carmine’s significant other Kathy has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Kathy has embraced the lifestyle of wrestling and has a smile on her face every time we see her.
Carmine has taught all of his wrestler’s life long lessons such as hard work, dedication and to just keep on wrestling. Carmine’s hard work and dedication has led to not only our success but his success as well. We know this time is difficult for everyone but please consider helping Carmine and New England Gold wrestling during a difficult financial time.
We want to see Carmine continue to change people’s lives. Just like Carmine supports us in following our dreams, we want to do the same."
GoFundMe link
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-legendary-franklin-coach-carmine-colace


Shared via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1253349939465334784?s=09


GoFundMe for FHS wrestling coach: Carmine Colace
GoFundMe for FHS wrestling coach: Carmine Colace