FM #259 Board of Health: C Liberty, B Sweet 4/29/20 (audio)

FM #259 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 259 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Board of Health Chair Bridget Sweet and Health Director Cathleen Liberty on April 29, 2020. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We discussed the recent Board of Health meeting, the new Emergency Order on facial coverings, the feedback that led to this step, additional feedback will be monitored at the next meeting for possible revision to take a further step if necessary.

We discuss the hierarchy of the MA health departments and how it has been brought to the frontlines with this pandemic. The relationship of the Executive Order by Governor Baker, the Department of Public Health that sets regulations for all MA communities and our local Board of Health that has the ground level responsibility.

The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen and Bridget. Audio file - https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hs9FtKk7




--------------
Note: on Friday, May 1, Gov Baker issued an executive order effective May 6, 2020 that will supercede the Franklin order and render moot the discussion on further extensions. The conversation on the rationale and CDC guidelines is still very much relative as we live in this 'new normal'
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/gov-bakers-executive-order-has-extended.html

April 27 Board of Health Emergency Order
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/news/board-health-emergency-order

Attorney General Office guidance referenced
https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-healey-issues-guidance-on-disability-rights-during-covid-19-pandemic

Health Dept page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department
Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Franklin Portal page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/important-links-and-best-practices

Portal page on “Best Practices”
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/important-links-and-best-practices

Prior podcasts with Cathleen
March 27 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-232-franklin-ma-health-director.html
March 13 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-224-health-director-cathleen-liberty.html
January 28 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fm-196-cathleen-liberty-franklins.html



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 #259 Board of Health: C Liberty, B Sweet 4/29/20 (audio)

FM #258 Economic Dev Subcomm Mtg - 4/27/20 (audio)

FM #258 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 258 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting held April 27, 2020 via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The meeting was led by Subcommittee Chair Melanie Hamblen. Each person is identified as they speak for this virtual meeting. The one agenda item for discussion was an inclusionary zoning bylaw proposal.

As you listen to the meeting the presentation of the proposal, then discussion, and comments by members of the committee, Planning Board, and others. Ultimately, the feedback will be incorporated into some tweaks for the measure to be brought back to the committee before going to the Town Council to begin the formal approval process sometime in the near future.

For reference, the process at the Town Council would be first to refer it to the Planning Board. They would hold a public hearing, take comments and vote on a recommendation to send back to the Council. The Council would also schedule a public hearing, and if moving forward would require two readings before the vote on the bylaw. Technically the proposal could fall out in this process but given the consensus expressed thus far, it will likely be modified to ensure approval.

The recording runs almost an hour and 20 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting of April 27, 2020.  Audio file =
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H13hKhx7





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


The agenda doc for the meeting can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/franklin-ma-economic-development.html


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"

The Dean Ave apartment complex was used as an example in the inclusionary zoning bylaw material

Town of Franklin - Department Re-entry Update - May 1, 2020

Every department across the Town of Franklin has an update in this document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VKhRNOY42YAZqrrxx9Hhm2cMlW9kybk4/view?usp=sharing

or on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/department_protocols_covid_19_7.pdf

Town of Franklin - Department Re-entry Update - May 1, 2020

Update to GoFUndMe for FHS Wrestling Coach Carmine Colace

"Hello, This is Coach C (Coach Colace) I want to thank everyone, some again and some who have recently donated. What you have done with your donations will enable us to save all that we have established at New England Gold. As all of you know how much I love the sport of wrestling and all of the wrestlers, along with our coaches and parents.  

I don't know how long this Pandemic will last. Remember, there is no social distancing in wrestling. There may not be a New England Gold when all this is over. The money raised will help keep us going.  

When are able to get back, we will be taking precautions. We have invested in thermometers so when we can take the temps of wrestlers as they come in. We have also invested in installing an Airphx Machine that will help keep our facility safe and virus free. Rent, insurance and utilities will be paid As you have figured out, the money raised will be going back to wrestling.  

Thank You very much, Coach C"

This is Coach C (Coach Colace)

Contribute to the cause 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-legendary-franklin-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

FSPA Broadway Faculty Brings Performing Arts Education to the Public

Over their observed April Vacation, the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) presented a series of Master Classes and Industry Q&As to students as well as the general public free of charge on Facebook Live. The week kicked off with a Jazz Dance Master Class with Broadway’s Christopher Rice (Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman) and Clay Thomson (WICKED, Newsies, Matilda, King Kong). The Broadway performers led students in a warmup and then taught a combination to “All That Jazz” from the musical Chicago.

On Tuesday, attendees enjoyed a live question and answer session with Broadway Digital Marketing Professional Ali Wondely. Wonderly has worked on many Broadway shows including Hamilton, Moulin Rouge, Be More Chill, and Escape to Margarittaville. She discussed with students the business of Broadway and many “off-stage” theatrical career options.

Wednesday continued with a Ballet Master Class with FSPA Ballet Conservatory Director Cheryl Madeux. Madeux received her training at the Nutmeg Conservatory For The Arts and has enjoyed a long professional career, dancing with such venerable companies as the Joffrey Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, and as principal dancer with the Hartford Ballet. She is a summer faculty member for the ABT® Young Dancers Program in NY and an examiner for the ABT® National Training Curriculum.

The week continued with a Theater Dance Master Class with NYC actor, director, and choreographer Chaz Wolcott. Wolcott is known for his roles in the touring companies of Newsies and CATS as well as his stint on So You Think You Can Dance. He led the virtual class in a warmup and then taught his own choreography to “Dancin’ In the Street.” 

Chaz Wolcott (Newsies, So You Think You Can Dance) teaching 

Theater Dance for FSPA via Facebook Live

FSPA April Break finished on Friday with a live Q&A with Broadway’s Christopher Rice discussing Swings, Understudies, and Standbys. Rice informed the attendees on the different kinds of “coverage” roles that exist within the cast of a show and answered questions on how an actor prepares for that challenge.

The students at FSPA have long benefited from the school’s Broadway connection, as the school consistently brings in guest teachers from New York. Tony Award winner Beth Leavel comments, “I wish I had a Franklin School for the Performing Arts in my life when I was growing up. It’s invaluable.” FSPA students have even gone on to perform on the Great White Way themselves, noting the school as a major part of their success. Dan Gleason (‘06) of the Broadway cast of WICKED says, “I owe a lot of my consistent vocal health and technique to my years at FSPA. Healthy singing habits were ingrained in my body and it has become second nature.”

Fall registration is now open at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Call 508-528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com for more information. Follow FSPA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Dean Foods Completes Sale of Assets to Dairy Farmers of America

Dean Foods Company (“Dean Foods” or the “Company”) today announced that it has completed the previously announced sales of substantially all of its assets, including the sale of the assets, rights, interests and properties relating to 44 of the Company’s fluid and frozen facilities to subsidiaries of Dairy Farmers of America (“DFA”). 

Dean Foods also announced that it has completed the sale of the assets, rights, interests and properties relating to eight facilities, two distribution branches and certain other assets to Prairie Farms Dairy. The Company also completed the sale of its facility in Reno, Nevada and its “Berkeley Farms” trademark and related intellectual property to Producers Dairy Foods. 

“We are pleased to complete these transactions, which maximize value for our stakeholders and will enable substantially all of our businesses to continue operating and serving customers across the country,” said Eric Beringause, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dean Foods. “Our team has put in considerable work over the last several months to find the right partners for our assets that would enable them to continue to succeed while preserving the most jobs possible and to ensure a smooth transition for our customers and partners. The completion of these sales is a testament to our employees’ efforts. I also want to thank our entire team for their commitment and dedication to Dean Foods not only over the last several months, but over the past several years. Their hard work has helped Dean Foods build and grow brands and products that customers love, and I feel fortunate to have had the chance to work side by side with this extraordinary group.” 

The Company also announced that as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (“DOJ”) approval of Dean Foods’ transaction with DFA, DFA has entered into a Consent Decree with the DOJ under which DFA has committed to hold separate and ultimately divest the dairy processing plants located in DePere, WI, Franklin, MA and Harvard, IL together with certain assets related to the operations at each plant. 

Upon closing of these sales, Mr. Beringause has stepped down from his role as President and CEO. 

As previously announced on April 4, 2020, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas (the “Court”) also approved the sale of Dean Foods’ facility in Miami, Florida to Mana Saves McArthur, LLC for $16.5 million. The Company anticipates completing the transaction early next week. 

As previously announced on April 30, 2020, Dean Foods completed the sales of the Company’s Uncle Matt’s business to Harmoni, Inc., and of its Hilo facility and related distribution branches on the Big Island, Kauai and Maui, as well as a license to the Meadow Gold Hawaii brand name and related intellectual property, to MGD Acquisition, LLC.

Additional information is available on the restructuring page of the Company’s website, DeanFoodsRestructuring.com. In addition, Court filings and other information related to the proceedings are available on a separate website administered by the Company’s claims agent, Epiq Bankruptcy Solutions LLC, at https://dm.epiq11.com/case/southernfoods/dockets, or by calling Epiq representatives toll-free at 1-833-935-1362 or 1-503-597-7660 for calls originating outside of the U.S. 

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and Norton Rose Fulbright are serving as legal advisors to the Company, Evercore is serving as its investment banker and Alvarez & Marsal is serving as its financial advisor. 

Above shared from:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200501005548/en/Dean-Foods-Completes-Sale-Assets-Dairy-Farmers

Related from Courthouse News Service
https://www.courthousenews.com/justice-department-approves-sale-of-bankrupt-dairy-producer/
 

 

a view of the facility at Garelick Farms

MassBudget: COVID-19 - Updates: Progressive Revenue Amid the Pandemic

"In this week's video update, our President, Marie-Frances Rivera, discusses shorter and longer-term policy solutions to ensure just recovery from the pandemic's impact on the Commonwealth, with Senior Policy Analysts, Phineas Baxandall and Kurt Wise, and Communications Director, Reggie Williams."

https://youtu.be/XNsogxfW0c4





For more from MassBudget:  https://medium.com/massbudget

MBTA Notices: Franklin/Dean - Forge Park shuttle Sunday; face coverings required May 6

Beginning on Wednesday, May 6 all riders will be required to wear face coverings.

In line with our efforts to help slow the spread of COVID-19, we’ve further postponed all subway diversions through Thursday, May 7. Subway, bus, and Commuter Rail will continue to run at reduced service levels.

This is an ongoing situation, and for the latest information, riders should check mbta.com/coronavirus

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Franklin – Forge Park/495 - Saturdays, May 2 and 9

Shuttle buses replace Franklin Line service between Franklin and Forge Park/495 to allow for track maintenance.   https://www.mbta.com/diversions/franklin-line

 

Shuttle buses replace Franklin Line service between Franklin and Forge Park/495

Franklin, MA: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 4

Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building

355 East Central Street, Room 205 (Second Floor) Franklin, MA

May 4, 2020 - 4:30 PM

Link to access the meeting: Click here then click “Open Zoom”
Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID: 938 246 4834 then press “#”



Agenda

1. FY21 Budget Update Discussion


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

DATE: April 22, 2020

TO: Town Council Budget Subcommittee 

FROM: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator 

RE: FY21 BUDGET UPDATE

Through Chairman Kelly, I am requesting a Budget Subcommittee of the Town Council on May 4th, 2020 at 4:30 PM, or at a time convenient for the members.

We must now refocus our attention to the FY21 Budget process and make some difficult decisions. The Finance Director and I have discussed our revenue assumptions. At this time, we are estimating at least a $3 million shortage in revenues than were assumed in the March 4th budget model discussed at the Town Council meeting.

The following are estimates and the data in a budget will be altered as new information becomes available. The following reductions in revenue estimates are as follows:

● The New Growth estimate will be reduced by $450,000;

● Local Receipts (excise tax, meals tax, licenses, permits, etc) will take approximately a 25% reduction, or $2.4 million; and

● At this point, State Aid is budgeted at $121,000 less than FY20. This is the Governor's Budget proposal released in late January. While the budget will be revised, it's the best data we have right now. We have no prospect for a FY21 budget to be completed by the state anytime earlier than Labor Day (is my best guess). The Town will likely need to come back again in the Fall or Winter to revise the budget based on state decisions.

There is still much work and discussion at the staff level that needs to happen over the next month. But, it would be a good time to gather the subcommittee to get on the same page as we continue to aim for a post-Memorial Day set of Finance Committee budget hearings on May 27, 28 and June 2, 4. I will provide a more in depth budget update memo and working budget model at your meeting for discussion.

The PDF of this doc can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-05-04_budget_subcommittee_1.pdf

Supporting Documents
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/05-04-2020_budget_subcommittee_meeting_supplemental_documents.pdf
 
 
 

Franklin, MA: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 4

 

Franklin Residents: May 2020 E-Newsletter

The Town of Franklin E-Newsletter for May 2020 can be found online
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/May-2020-E-Newsletter.html?soid=1134219428814&aid=PRWV3PVI6Cc

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1256267508606173186

@FranklinHS Message for the Class of 2020

"Tonight (Friday May 1), at 8:20 (20:20 military time), we send this message."

Tonight, at 8:20 (20:20 military time), we send this message. @FPS_FAA @FHSPantherbook @FranklinHSDrama @FranklinHSMusic @fhs_choral @FranklinMatters pic.twitter.com/CivMVywc2I

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) May 2, 2020

The lights at FHS on May 1 between 8:00 and 8:20

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #17

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #17

Friday, May 1, 2020

Hi friends,

It's been another week in the pandemic period. I know this isn't getting any easier as time goes on, especially as closure orders get extended and we still don't have a good handle on this virus, but the sun is shining and testing capacity is increasing and we're getting better at using video conferencing tools and I hope everyone is getting as many extra hugs as possible. We're also starting to see the beginnings of a forward-looking plan to reopen, slowly and safely, and I've been hard at work with my colleagues to get a plan in place for virtual town meetings.

My team and I have been sending these COVID-19 updates twice a week for some time now. We'll shift to once-weekly Wednesday updates next week, so we can increase our individualized constituent work. If you need anything in the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help! For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

A few updates from my office on the COVID-19 outbreak and your government's response:

• Please wear a facemask! Following the leadership of a number of cities and towns, including many in our district, Governor Baker issued an order requiring face masks to be worn in all public spaces -- both indoor and outdoor -- where adequate social distancing cannot be achieved (like on the sidewalk in densely populated areas!). The order allows businesses to refuse service to anyone not wearing a mask, and includes a possible $300 fine for noncompliance. I encourage you to wear a facemask as much as possible outside your home; this is a critical step to protecting ourselves and our neighbors, reducing coronavirus transmission, and helping our communities open up sooner.
• Do not forego necessary emergency care: Massachusetts hospitals have noticed a severe drop in emergency care for conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and more. Delaying emergency care due to COVID-19 can be deadly, and Boston-area hospitals are still encouraging individuals to go to the emergency room if necessary.
• Child care is still closed through the end of June: Amid conversations of reopening non-essential businesses, I've been advocating for our early education centers and teachers. We can't reopen anything without child care, period. If you're an early educator, a child care center administrator, or a parent or caregiver and you have a story to tell or information to share relevant to this advocacy, I want to hear from you. Please email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov with "CHILD CARE ADVOCACY" in the subject line.

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


The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full set of contents
https://mailchi.mp/e878563e239d/covid19-update-12325126?e=0c2c9810fe

https://mailchi.mp/e878563e239d/covid19-update-12325126

Gov Baker's executive order has extended Franklin's BoH facial covering mandate

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

"Gov. Charlie Baker signed an executive order on Friday requiring members of the public to wear a face covering while in public when people cannot physical distance from others.

The order goes into place on Wednesday, May 6 and does not apply to children under the age of 2.

The requirement applies to all workers and customers of businesses and other organizations that are open to the public.

Gov. Baker said face coverings are an easy, critically important and essential step to stop or slow the spread of the coronavirus.

“The public is required to wear a face covering at all times in grocery stores, retail stores or on public transportation,” Baker said."

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200501/baker-signs-order-requiring-face-coverings-while-in-public

If you were watching the live update on Friday, you'll recall that the feed was lost during the broadcast.  There apparently is no video replay available at this time. The archive of prior updates for replay can be found 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfzuvKpMoFEDd597ZSHxMmvkzR3XCgVSg


The Press Release
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-orders-use-of-mask-or-face-covering-in-public-announces-increased

The Tweet
https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1256291755865104384

The Executive Order
https://www.mass.gov/doc/may-1-2020-masks-and-face-coverings/download

Today we are requiring all residents to wear a mask in public places when it is not possible to maintain proper social distance.

This applies to workers and customers of essential businesses like groceries and pharmacies.#COVID19MA

🔗Full Details: https://t.co/MHAD2lF5PV pic.twitter.com/bhW27HG0mx

— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) May 1, 2020

https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1256291755865104384/photo/1

Panther News Special Edition: May 1, 2020

Produced by Franklin High School's TV Production Program

https://youtu.be/od5ZAN9U-7o



https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1256199418220630016?s=09

COVID-19 ruined my travel plans. Now what?

COVID-19 ruined my travel plans. Now what? by Namukolo Kasumpa, International Fellow, Division of Consumer & Business Education If COVID-19 canceled your travel plans, you are likely disappointed and wondering about refunds, credits, or vouchers for plane tickets, cruise bookings, tours, and more.  Even if your scheduled travel is months away, you might be weighing your options. And many travel service providers seem to be working to address concerns about upcoming trips. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/05/covid-19-ruined-my-travel-plans-now-what  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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