Thursday, April 30, 2020

In the News: Franklin Food Pantry lands new home; MAPC provides Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool

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

Franklin Food Pantry lands new home
"After three years of searching for a new home, the Franklin Food Pantry has finally found it - and it’s not too far from where it is now.

On Monday, the Franklin Food Pantry announced that it had purchased the former Dante’s Motors Inc. building at 138 East Central St. and that it intended to make that location its new home. The existing pantry is at 43 West Central St., just a mile away.

“It works - it’s close to where we are now and it’s an empty shell,” said pantry Executive Director Lynn Calling of the new building. She said it allows the pantry to continue serving those who find the current location convenient. The new location is just as accessible and has sidewalks leading to it, she said.

The price to acquire 138 East Central St. was $465,000, according to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. The building is 5,360 square feet, according to real estate website Loopnet.com. By comparison, the current space where the pantry operates is 3,600 square feet."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200429/franklin-food-pantry-lands-new-home-after-decade-at-current-space

Franklin Food Pantry lands new home
Franklin Food Pantry lands new home


MAPC provides Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool
"A regional planning agency has developed a new tool to help communities streamline the way they catalog greenhouse gases emitted in their communities.

The Boston-based Metropolitan Area Planning Council has launched its so-called “Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool” - an Excel document that provides a template for municipalities to track greenhouse gas emissions by sector and year.

Accompanying the Excel document is one that outlines how municipalities can use it.

The agency hopes that by providing centralized documents that outline the state’s approach to calculating greenhouse gas emissions, municipalities will be better equipped to accurately, consistently and uniformly track how residents are emitting greenhouse gases."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200429/tool-to-help-communities-get-grip-on-greenhouse-gases

The tool and guide are available at the organization’s website
https://www.mapc.org/planning101/community-ghg-assessment/

MAPC provides Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool
MAPC provides Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool

MBTA Commuter Rail: Starting Saturday May 2, shuttle busses return between Franklin Dean and Forge Park

"On Saturdays, May 2 and 9, shuttle buses will replace train service on the Franklin Line between Franklin and Forge Park to allow for double track extension work.

The shuttle buses will operate on the normal weekend train schedule. More information can be found via the link below."

https://www.mbta.com/projects/franklin-line-double-track
Last Updated: Apr 29 2020 03:12 PM


Note: Yes, this is different from the notice made earlier this week about the PTC Project and I would have hoped that there would have been a little more coordination about the two announcements. For those looking to take the train to Boston on the weekend, take it from downtown's Dean Station and not Forge Park.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/mbta-starting-saturday-may-2-franklin.html


shuttle buses will replace train service on the Franklin Line between Franklin and Forge Park
shuttle buses will replace train service on the Franklin Line between Franklin and Forge Park

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

EMERGENCY ORDER - "face covering over their mouth and nose"

Town of Franklin 
Board of Health
355 East Central Street Franklin, MA 02038

DECLARATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY - EMERGENCY ORDER

Pursuant to the declaration of a public health emergency on March 17, 2020, and all other authorizing statutes and regulations, acting by and through its agent authorized under MGL c. 111, §31 and we, the Board of Health of the Town of Franklin Massachusetts, hereby order the following:

1) All employees of all essential businesses shall wear a face covering over their mouth and nose when interacting with the public and when the staff cannot maintain a safe social distance of six feet from any other co-worker. Nothing in this order shall require the use of a face covering by anyone for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition.

2) All essential businesses shall post on their main entrance doors that the board of health is strongly advising people to wear face coverings upon entrance of an essential business.

This emergency order shall be effective beginning Wednesday, APRIL 29, 2020 AT 12:01AM and remain in effect until notice is given, pursuant to the Board of Health’s judgement that the Public Health Emergency no longer exists. To the extent necessary, this Order shall be enforced by Board of Health officials.
ORDERED at the Virtual Board of Health meeting this 27th day of April 2020. 

Cathleen Liberty, Director of Public Health, Franklin Board of Health


PDF of this can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/emergency_face_covering_order_2.pdf

Shared from Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1255215435148075010?s=09

Meeting notes for the April 27, 2020 session
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/board-of-health-approves-mandate-for.html

screengrab of Board of Health meeting April 27, 2020
screengrab of Board of Health meeting April 27, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Extends Non-Essential Business Closures to May 18th, Announces Reopening Advisory Board

Today (Apr 28, 2020), the Baker-Polito Administration extended the essential services emergency order to May 18th and launched a Reopening Advisory Board that will produce a plan to the Governor by May 18th. The Administration also announced that the Department of Public Health’s Stay At Home Advisory remains in effect and gatherings of 10 or more people remain prohibited until May 18th.

Essential Services Order: Governor Charlie Baker’s emergency order requiring that all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public will be extended until May 18th. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order. This order also extends the existing ban on gatherings of more than 10 people until May 18th.

Stay at Home Advisory: Governor Charlie Baker announced that the Department of Public Health’s stay-at-home advisory will remain in effect. Residents are strongly urged to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary person to person contact during this time period. Residents who are considered at high risk when exposed to COVID-19 should limit social interactions with other people as much as possible. 

Executive Branch Employee Guidance: The Baker-Polito Administration today also extended the guidance issued to Executive Branch employees on protocol during the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure state government can continue to provide key services while protecting the health and safety of the public and the Executive Branch workforce. Under the guidance, all employees performing non-core functions who are able to work remotely should continue to do so until May 18th.

Reopening Advisory Board: Today, Governor Baker announced the formation of the Reopening Advisory Board, which will be Co-Chaired by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. The Board brings public health officials together with leaders from the business community and municipal government from across the Commonwealth. This group is charged with advising the administration on strategies to reopen the economy in phases based on health and safety metrics. It will meet with key stakeholders and solicit input from a variety of constituencies over the next three weeks to develop a report by May 18th that will include DPH approved workplace safety standards, industry frameworks and customer protocols and guidelines, including enforcement mechanisms and coordination with municipal leaders. This report is due on the 18th, but the administration has made clear that public health data and guidance from health care experts will dictate the timeline of the re-opening process.

The 17-member Advisory Board is composed of three public health officials, including Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel, three municipal officials, and eleven leaders from the business community, including MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. Members of the Advisory Board bring a range of perspectives to the table, such as an understanding of workplaces and workforces and insights into key areas like financial markets, education, manufacturing and transportation.

Reopening Advisory Board Members:
  • Aron Ain, CEO, Kronos Inc & Ultimate Software
  • Carlo Zaffanella, Vice President and General Manager, Maritime & Strategic Systems, General Dynamics Mission Systems
  • Corey Thomas, CEO, Rapid 7
  • Daniel Rivera, Mayor, City of Lawrence
  • Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Girish Navani, CEO and Co-Founder, eClinicalWorks
  • Joe Bahena, Senior Vice President, Joseph Abboud Manufacturing
  • Kathryn Burton, Chief of Staff, City of Boston
  • Laurie Leshin, Ph.D., President, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  • Linda Markham, President, Cape Air
  • Mark Keroack, President & CEO, Baystate Health
  • Dr. Monica Bharel, M.D., Commissioner, Department of Public Health
  • Nicole LaChapelle, Mayor, City of Easthampton
  • Pamela Everhart, Head of Regional Public Affairs and Community Relations, Fidelity Investments
  • Stephanie Pollack, Transportation Secretary and CEO
  • Steve DiFillippo, CEO, Davios Restaurants
  • Wendy Hudson, Owner, Nantucket Book Partners
Shared from the MA.gov page
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-extends-non-essential-business-closures-to-may-18th-announces

screengrab of broadcast on announcement
screengrab of broadcast on announcement


Voices of Franklin: Get Back To Where We Were?

This spring we have been witness to people in leadership positions emphasizing the need for our economy and society to return to “normal” as soon as possible. But getting back to where we were is complicated, and begs the question: Was where we were, where we want to be?

When there are disruptions in our lives, we don’t believe it is prudent to rush back to the way things were. Instead, such disturbances afford us the opportunity to carefully reflect on the situation by asking: Where were we? What does the shakeup reveal? What of the past do we carry forward with us? How do we move forward in a way that allows us to cope and make our lives better?

As we reflect on the COVID-19 crisis this spring and all that we and others have to do to survive, we can’t help but think of our sustenance. Some of us feel vulnerable and confused by what roles we should play for our individual and families’ sustainability, and for what personal responsibilities we can own during this crisis.

This spring’s interruption of our “normal” existence is an opportunity to not only be socially conscious, but to empower ourselves. This is the year to GROW a GARDEN. It is the time to think about digging up part of that lawn. It is about helping out in the community gardens and installing planters or raised beds. NOW is the time for a movement towards gardening so that we can learn to enjoy the intrinsic value that lies in the preparation, sowing, cultivation, and reaping.

Gardening, in all its forms, will give you back more than the labor it takes. It provides opportunities to connect with the earth, and extends to you moments of teaching and learning. If you are patient you will see that gardening is about social responsibility, confidence, and empowerment.

Gardening grants time for community and family cultivation and, on top of it all, gives you those delicious fruits and vegetables of which you can say with pride, “I grew that!”


‘Tis the season,
Vincent Fanuele and Jessi Fanuele 
VFJ Renovations, Inc.

VFJ Renovations, Inc.
VFJ Renovations, Inc.

Find VFJ on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/336675640619192/photos/a.550464219240332/550462509240503/?type=3&theater

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #16



View this email in your browser
Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #16
CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #16
Tuesday, April 28, 2020


Dear friends,
A few quick updates for you about your government's response to the COVID-19 outbreak:
  • Stay-at-Home Advisory Extension: Today, Governor Baker extended the state's stay-at-home advisory and non-essential business closure from May 4 to May 18. By way of reminder, last week all schools were closed for the duration of the school year and early education and child care centers were closed through the end of June.
     
  • Watch Out for Scammers: There have been reports of COVID-19 scams related to the state's contact tracing program. Scammers are identifying themselves as part of the Community Tracing Collaborative and asking individuals for their social security number and health insurance information, which the actual Community Tracing Collaborative will NEVER ask from you. If you receive a call like this, please reach out to your local board of public health. To learn more about what the COVID Community Team does or how a phone call works from them, please consult this resource.
     
  • COVID by the Numbers: Every day, the Department of Public Health issues a comprehensive dashboard of data, including a breakdown of coronavirus cases by county and other demographic distinctions. Town and city level data is updated weekly.
     
  • Face Mask Orders: Several municipalities throughout the Commonwealth, including some in our district, are considering or issuing local orders to wear face masks in public. Check out your local coronavirus response via links on our public health resources page.
     
  • Eating Locally During COVID-19: I know many of us are trying to limit our exposure while supporting local businesses. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources collected lists of where you can shop local, by region. Check it out along with our other food-related resources here.
     
  • In Case You Missed It: Check out Episode 3 of Low Budget Beacon Hill: Legislating in the Time of Coronavirus! We've been hearing plenty of questions from constituents about how the Massachusetts State Government has continued operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, so in this episode, Rep. Maria Robinson and I take a deep dive into the legislative response to Coronavirus. Watch here:
                  

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.

Be well and stay safe.

Yours in service,

Senator Becca Rausch
virtual office hours
My next Virtual Office Hours will be next Friday, May 8th from 10 am - 12 pm.

Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here.

Residents from any part of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with me and my team over Google Hangouts, Skype, and phone calls. Office hours are available to discuss any matter and are not limited to discussions about COVID-19.
Senator Rausch · State House, Room 218 · 24 Beacon Street · Boston, MA 02133-1099 · USA

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Veterans Virtual Coffee Social - May 6

We look forward to having our monthly Veterans Coffee Social on Wednesday, May 6 at 11:00 AM.

Details for the meeting are below. You may join via the internet or call in from any phone.

Link to Join Meeting -https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84657160506

Call-in Phone Number:
Call 1-312-626-6799 and enter the Meeting ID: 846 5716 0506 then press # 

Veterans Virtual Coffee Social - May 6
Veterans Virtual Coffee Social - May 6

FHS "Keep Music Alive" 4/28/20 - #5

This week the FHS music department will feature the following musicians:

Christopher Broyles
Christopher is a sophomore at Franklin High School and plays the viola. Chris has participated in Central Districts, All State, and is a member of the RI Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Chris also studies privately with Mr. Don Krishnaswami.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xqr03jg5BFbqLwOsGaaJU8r9bMMcgOZo/view






The Middle School Band Directors from Remington, Horace Mann and Annie Sullivan
Mickey Ireland - Clarinet, Sean Donnelly - Clarinet, Nicole Wright - Baritone and BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND - Ms. Pamela Butz - previous ASMS Band Dir.!


"Girl from Inpanema"  https://youtu.be/DlqEqLxaaiY



JF Kennedy School video

"Hi Ladybugs! Check out this awesome video from your teachers and staff members at JFK! We miss you so much! We are proud of the great work you are doing to keep learning alive at Kennedy!"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1icmlmGaqWvw7wEGKDzNK3yTvVe8oIxqO/view




Shared via Twitter
https://twitter.com/jfkladybugs/status/1255189379699572738?s=09

New England Journal of Medicine: "Infection-control strategies focused solely on symptomatic residents were not sufficient"

Recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reached the following "Conclusions"
"Rapid and widespread transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was demonstrated in this skilled nursing facility. More than half of residents with positive test results were asymptomatic at the time of testing and most likely contributed to transmission.
Infection-control strategies focused solely on symptomatic residents were not sufficient to prevent transmission after SARS-CoV-2 introduction into this facility."


This helps to explain the science behind the social distancing and stay-at-home order. Treating only those with symptoms is not sufficient. The nature of this disease is devious. We all need to treat everyone as possibly carrying the virus, hence the social distancing facial covering, washing hands, etc.


The full study can be found online  https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2008457

New England Journal of Medicine: "Infection-control strategies focused solely on symptomatic residents were not sufficient"
New England Journal of Medicine: "Infection-control strategies focused solely on symptomatic residents were not sufficient"

In the News: Franklin man's marathon; credit rating agency has praised the flexibility bill; municipalities can order residents to wear face coverings

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Adam Calvert knows a lot about going the distance.

Recently, the Franklin resident tied on his running shoes and hit the pavement for his very own marathon - a 26.2-mile route of his own design that took more than four hours to complete cheered on along the way by many supporters and joined for part of the distance by three fellow runners.

But the long run really began last March, when his wife, Emma, was diagnosed with breast cancer while she was just a few months into her fourth pregnancy. As Calvert supported her through the cancer treatments and pregnancy, while helping to care for their three other children, he made a decision: He’d join the Dana-Farber Marathon team and finally take on the Boston Marathon — an undertaking that had already been at the back of his mind — with her as his inspiration and Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund as his cause.

He was understandably disappointed when talk of calling off the iconic April event began late in March amid concerns about the coronavirus."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200426/inspired-by-wife-franklin-man-runs-his-own-marathon

credit rating agency has praised the flexibility bill
"A major credit rating agency has praised the municipal government flexibility bill Gov. Charlie Baker signed earlier this month as an advantage for cities and towns, and detailed how it will help local leaders.

In last week’s credit outlook for public finance, Moody’s Investor Service said the legislation that Baker signed into law April 3 “is credit positive for local governments because it will increase their ability to operate effectively during a period when they are managing a health emergency while also planning for the 2021 fiscal year starting in July.”

The bill got more attention for allowing restaurants to sell beer and wine with to-go orders and postponing the tax filing deadline until July, but it also provided the state’s 351 municipalities with deadline and scheduling flexibility on town meetings, tax payments and permits. Crucially, it also allowed cities and towns to tap into free cash, or remaining fiscal 2020 reserves, for fiscal 2021 budgets without having to go through the usual state approval process."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200427/rating-agency-takes-measure-of-coronavirus-law


municipalities can order residents to wear face coverings
"Attorney General Maura Healey’s office now says municipalities can order residents to wear face coverings in public.

On Monday, Healey’s office issued revised guidance on local authority when it comes to protecting public health amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the new guidance, a municipality can, through its Board of Health, require people to wear face coverings to prevent the spread of infection, per General Law Chapter 111, §§ 26-26C, 31, 104."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200428/mass-ags-office-revises-guidance-says-municipalities-can-order-face-coverings

wfpr.fm: Franklin Matters Radio show schedule Weds, Thur, Fri

For this week: 4/29/20

#254 Jamie Hellen - “Talk Franklin” - Wednesday at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM

#255 – State Rep Jeff Roy - Thursday at 9:00 AM 12:00 PM 6:00 PM

#249 -Town Clerks Teresa Burr and Nancy Danelo along with #251 - Bryan Taberner - Friday at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM 



These radio shows were previously shared here. If you have subscribed via the podcast, they should also have appeared in your listening queue.

#254 Jamie Hellen - “Talk Franklin”
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-254-talk-franklin-hellen-and-tracey.html

#255 – State Rep Jeff Roy
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-255-state-representative-jeffrey-roy.html

#249 -Town Clerks Teresa Burr and Nancy Danelo
 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-249-town-clerk-teresa-burr-asst.html

#251 - Bryan Taberner
 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-251-bryan-taberner-planning-and.html

wfpr.fm: Franklin Matters Radio show schedule Weds, Thur, Fri
wfpr.fm: Franklin Matters Radio show schedule Weds, Thur, Fri
 
wfpr.fm: Franklin Matters Radio show schedule
wfpr.fm: Franklin Matters Radio show schedule

Webinars for Small Business Owners


NEED INDIVIDUAL HELP FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS?
Let our MSBDC business advisors help you navigate the SBA Debt Relief Programs.
Please complete our "Request for Counseling" confidentiality form and someone will call you to schedule a telephone appointment with an advisor.
https://www.msbdc.org/semass/rfc.html 
WEBINARS FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

PPP & Debt Relief Program with the MSBDC Southeast Regional Office

Wednesday, April 29, 2020
2:00 p.m.

Ili Spahiu, Assistant District Director for Lender Relations in the
U.S. Small Business Administration's MA District Office, will provide
SBA Covid-19 Updates for Economic Relief Programs.
Cliff Robbins, Sr. Business Advisor, MA Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) will discuss the benefits of utilizing the free services of the MSBDC.
https://clients.msbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=110400005
Get the latest info on supporting your business with
Laurie Driscoll, South Eastern Economic Development (SEED), and
Jill Beresford, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center
at the next ZOOM meeting.

Friday, May 1, 10 a.m.

Use this link and Meeting ID to enter the live Zoom meeting:


Meeting ID: 316-252-883

Contact Pam @ pdziura@cranberrycountry.org with questions.
COVID-19 Recovery Update with City, State and Federal Officials

Friday, May 1, 2020
2:00 to 3:00 pm

Join us for a COVID-19 Economic recovery call update with the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Office of Business Development, Mayor of Brockton Robert F. Sullivan, and special guest Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Register online.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C_dkP-SBRTGOEnjWOKElAw 

Contact Lexi at areinertson@metrosouthchamber.com with questions.

MA Small Business Development Center Network Southeast Regional Office | 200 Pocasset Street, Fall River, MA 02721
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