Dr Erin Bromage: "The Risks - Know Them - Avoid Them"

A good read that nicely and cleanly explains how the coronavirus spreads

"It seems many people are breathing some relief, and I’m not sure why. An epidemic curve has a relatively predictable upslope and once the peak is reached, the back slope is also predictable. Assuming we have just crested in deaths at 70k, that would mean that if we stay locked down, we lose another 70,000 people over the next 6 weeks as we come off that peak. That's what's going to happen with a lockdown.

As states reopen, and we give the virus more fuel, all bets are off. I understand the reasons for reopening the economy, but I've said before, if you don't solve the biology, the economy won't recover.

There are very few states that have demonstrated a sustained decline in numbers of new infections. Indeed, the majority are still increasing and reopening. As a simple example of the USA trend, when you take out the data from New York and just look at the rest of the USA, daily case numbers are increasing. Bottom line: the only reason the total USA new case numbers look flat right now is because the New York City epidemic was so large and now it is being contained.

...

As we are allowed to move around our communities more freely and be in contact with more people in more places more regularly, the risks to ourselves and our family are significant. Even if you are gung-ho for reopening and resuming business as usual, do your part and wear a mask to reduce what you release into the environment. It will help everyone, including your own business."

Continue reading the article
https://erinbromage.wixsite.com/covid19/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them


Who is the author?

Erin S. Bromage, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Dr. Bromage graduated from the School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences James Cook University, Australia where his research focused on the epidemiology of, and immunity to, infectious disease in animals. His Post-Doctoral training was at the College of William and Mary, Virginia Institute of Marine Science in the Comparative Immunology Laboratory of late Dr. Stephen Kaattari.

Dr. Bromage’s research focuses on the evolution of the immune system, the immunological mechanisms responsible for protection from infectious disease, and the design and use of vaccines to control infectious disease in animals. He also focuses on designing diagnostic tools to detect biological and chemical threats in the environment in real-time.

Dr. Bromage joined the Faculty of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2007 where he teaches courses in Immunology and Infectious disease, including a course this semester on the Ecology of Infectious Disease which focused on the emerging SARS-CoV2 outbreak in China.

Found via Twitter  https://twitter.com/lit_hum/status/1258748858630356993?s=09

Dr Erin Bromage: "The Risks - Know Them - Avoid Them"

"It would be an honor to lead a school community with such a proud tradition"

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

"Joshua Hanna, an assistant principal at Hopkinton High School since 2013, has been named the next principal at Franklin High School.

The announcement was made Wednesday by Superintendent Sara Ahern. Hanna was chosen from among three finalists.

“I’m honored to have been given the opportunity to lead such a fine institution of teaching and learning,” Hanna told the Daily News. “What really stands out as something I am looking forward to is getting to know all of the students, teachers and community members that make FHS such a special place. During the interview process many referred to FHS as a family - what a fantastic way to describe a school! No matter what current challenges face us, it’s clear to me the FHS community has the mindset to adjust and thrive.”

“We were fortunate to have three excellent candidates emerge as finalists from a rigorous and thorough search process,” said Ahern in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming Mr. Hanna to the Panthers community.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200508/joshua-hanna-named-principal-at-franklin-high-school

In case you missed Superintendent Ahern's announcement
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/franklin-public-schools-fhs-principal.html

Franklin Public Schools: FHS Principal Announcement

Town of Franklin Department Re-entry Updates - May 8

Hello Franklin,

Our COVID-19 Information Portal is updated regularly with the latest information and resources. You can find it HERE.

Please find our Department Re-entry Updates attached below and visit our website and/or social media frequently for news and announcements.

Have a good weekend!

"Based on the escalating global COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Baker’s most recent Executive Orders, the Franklin Town and School Administration offices, as well as all Franklin public buildings will be closed to the public and most employees through May 18th, 2020. We are following the guidance coming from Governor Baker. We are working on a measured plan to initiate baby steps toward re-opening limited services that cannot be performed remotely, while keeping the safety of our employees and community at the forefront.

On May 11th, the following departments will be re-opening with limited staff and services as an initial phase in. Careful decision-making and return to work procedures will take place in the coming weeks, with safety as the top priority.

● The drive through window at the Municipal Building will be re-opening for service on May 11th for regular business hours. The window will serve as the point of contact for all municipal services for both the Town Clerk’s Office and the Treasurer/Collector. Cash will not be accepted at this time. The public will not be able to access the building in any way other than the drive through.
● The Library will be reopening with a skeleton crew for online orders and no contact pickup/dropoff of requested materials. Patrons can place material holds online or by phone. (limit of 5 items over the phone) Search our catalog at find.minlib.net , and limit the collection location to Franklin. Once you receive a text or email that your items are ready, visit the Library entrance at School Street. Hours will be Monday - Saturday 10am - 1pm. Please stay tuned to the Franklin Public Library websites for children's programming and other offerings that will be available to residents remotely.
● The DPW and Facilities Departments will begin with a soft opening on May 11th, with limited employees returning to work to assess and plan for the weeks ahead. Beginning May 18th, the DPW and custodial staff will be fully open, with work crews returning in one man vehicles where necessary. The DPW Administration Building will remain closed through May 18th.
● The Senior Center is aiming to develop a curbside lunch program for members to access Cafe prepared grab-and-go meals. The goal is to have this service available beginning June 1st, with the hope of adding the same service for breakfast in the future. More details will be released as they become available..
● On May 11th, we will begin a very limited phase in of staff at the Municipal Building. The building will not be open to the public.
● The Recycling Center is currently open regular business hours, with the addition of noon - 3pm on Thursday May 14th for yard waste only. Beginning May 18th, the Recycling Center will be open regular hours for full services. No cash or checks will be accepted. All residents who wish to use the recycling center for item drop off will need to go online prior to pay the required fee(s). A printed slip detailing the fees paid will be required to show proof of payment. The online payment portal for recycling fees is on our Viewpoint site.
● Curbside Clothing Recycling restarted the week of April 27th on your normal trash day. Please have bags out prior to 7am for pickup.
● All municipal parks and playgrounds will be closed to the public. Nature trails are OK to use.
● All public and private schools are closed through the end of the year. Childcare facilities (other than emergency centers for first responders) will be closed until June 29th.
● Trash and Recycling Pickup will continue to be picked up on their normal schedule.

While the Municipal Building and most other departments are closed for direct, in-person service, staff will be available for all regular business activities via phone, email and our online services center at www.franklinma.gov. For an emergency, please continue to dial 911."

Additional details on the Re-entry Updates: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/department_protocols_covid_19_8.pdf

Town of Franklin Department Re-entry Updates - May 8

Franklin Public Library: Curbside Pickup Returning May 11

Curbside Pickup is returning to the Library Monday, May 11! 

Patrons can place holds online or by phone. When placing holds by phone, there is a limit of five holds per call. 

There is no inter-library loan at this time, so holds are limited to Franklin materials shown as "available" in the catalog. 

Search our catalog at find.minlib.net , and limit the collection location to Franklin. 

Once you receive a text or email that your items are ready, visit the Library at the School Street entrance between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM Monday through Saturday to pick them up! 

The Library will still be closed to the public, but staff will be available to answer questions by phone and email 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Monday through Saturday. 

Please call us at 508-520-4941.


Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/curbside-pickup-returning-franklin-public-library

Franklin Public Library: Curbside Pickup Returning May 11

 

Senate President Karen Spilka: The latest updates on COVID-19

Updates from Beacon Hill and MetroWest The Massachusetts State Senate is here to help you during the COVID-19 crisis. As we move through the public health crisis of COVID-19 and its aftermath, I want you to know that the state Senate is here to serve as a resource to help you navigate state government during this difficult time. If you live in my district, which consists of Ashland, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway and Natick, you can contact my office by email and you will be contacted by a member of my Constituent Services Team. You can also visit the MetroWest Resources During COVID-19 page on my website. If you live anywhere else in Massachusetts, you can find the contact information of your state Senator here: Find My Legislator. Senators and their staff are available to help you apply for unemployment or health insurance, answer your questions about small business and nonprofits, or connect you with other resources you, your family, or your business may need right now. For up-to-date information on the work of the state Senate, including bills we have passed to provide for remote notarizations, prevent evictions and foreclosures, waive the MCAS requirements for the school year, and expand access to safety net programs, please visit the Updates section of my website. As a reminder, here are places when you can find up-to-date information on COVID-19: Massachusetts COVID-19 Updates and Information Department of of Public Health (DPH) Information on the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) State House News Service Coronavirus Tracker Federal Coronavirus.gov Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Page Use the following links to access specific information on the following topics: Unemployment: Information on Unemployment and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Insurance Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and MassHealth Massachusetts Health Connector COVID-19 Resources and Information Consumer Protection: Resources During COVID-19 Education: Department or Early and Secondary Ed COVID-19 Information and Resources Department of Higher Ed COVID-19 Information and Resources Businesses: COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses Please don't hesitate to reach out to me or your state Senator for any reason. We are here to help. Warm Regards,

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of contents  https://karenspilka.com/covid

"it may not be pretty, but this is the situation we’re in”

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

"There are many possibilities for how lawmakers might tackle next year’s budget, Senate President Karen Spilka said, but the pandemic’s shocks to state revenues may mean the idea of passing one-month budgets while a full spending plan is developed would need to look different than it has in the past.

The economic turmoil created by the COVID-19 crisis began as Beacon Hill’s budget season approached - typically, the House passes its budget in April and the Senate in May. The final budget is due by July 1, the first day of the new fiscal year, though lawmakers have often negotiated beyond that deadline and passed “one-twelfth” budgets that allocate enough money for a month of operations, based on the previous year’s spending.

With the normal timeline thrown off course and the pandemic’s full economic impact not yet quantified, it’s still unclear when the Legislature will take up the fiscal 2021 budget or what its bottom line will be.

The set of emergency rules the House adopted this week gave the House Ways and Means Committee until July 1 to report out its version of the budget, and S&P Global Ratings said in a recent bulletin that it expects Massachusetts to adopt a fiscal 2021 budget this summer."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200508/spilka-local-budgets-may-not-be-pretty

The FY 2021 budget will definitely be a challenge for Franklin. It has been part of the weekly conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. The Budget Subcommittee met on Monday, May 4. The Joint Budget Subcommittee (School Comm budget team, Finance Committee, and Town Council Budget Subcommittee) will meet on Monday May 11.

Budget Subcommittee audio
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/budget-subcommittee-notes-may-4-2020.html

Talk Franklin with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - May 1
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-260-talk-franklin-with-jamie-hellen.html

The Town of Franklin budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

"it may not be pretty, but this is the situation we’re in”

 

You may be eligible for SNAP benefits

AlertsMA: Need help buying healthy food? You may be eligible for SNAP benefits. Visit Mass.gov/covid-snap for more information and how to apply.

"You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) administers SNAP benefits. SNAP provides a monthly benefit to buy nutritious foods.

To get SNAP, you must be low-income and be a U.S. citizen or legal noncitizen (restrictions apply). Eligibility for SNAP benefits depends on financial and nonfinancial criteria."

You may be eligible for SNAP benefits

PEW: The State of Trust, Facts, and Democracy

Stat: 59 percent: The percentage of Americans who say they have little to no confidence in the public’s political wisdom.

Story: As the new year—and an election year—begins, we turn to data on our democracy to learn more about how Americans view institutions and civic life today. Host Dan LeDuc speaks with Michael Dimock, president of the Pew Research Center, about the latest research on trust, facts, and democracy in America.

Listen here  https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2020/01/10/the-state-of-trust-facts-and-democracy

PEW: The State of Trust, Facts, and Democracy

Silkroad with Yo-Yo Ma Livestream is TODAY! - 4:00 PM

Tune in at 4pm EDT/ 1pm PDT on YouTube.

View this email in your browser TUNE IN TODAY AT 4PM EDT / 1PM PDT ON YOUTUBE. Silkroad and Playing for Change Foundation are uniting to bring you an incredible cross-cultural concert to aid our work to provide emergency food and health supplies to put programs and communities in need around the world — places like Mali and Bangladesh — that have incredible cultural wealth but are on the brink of survival during this pandemic. Join us and experience music from an array of cultural traditions from around the world, including China, India, Japan, Spain, and beyond. Together we can feed, heal, connect, and uplift through the power of music. Tune in and help us raise crucial funds that will support artists and communities most in need. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Silkroad, including Silkroad's Emergency Relief Fund for artists and crew, and the Playing for Change Foundation Emergency Response Fund. Featuring: Yo-Yo Ma, Silkroad Founder Nicholas Cords, Silkroad Co-Artistic Director & Host Sandeep Das, tabla Colin Jacobsen, violin Eric Jacobsen, cello Aoife O'Donovan, guitar & vocals Cristina Pato, piano Kojiro Umezaki, shakuhachi Wu Man, pipa WATCH THE LIVESTREAM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcEl9T04Swc&feature=youtu.be You are receiving this email because you are a member of the Silkroad community. Copyright © 2020 Silkroad, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Silkroad 175 North Harvard Street Boston, Massachusetts 02134 Brought to you with generous support from the Barr Foundation, Ctrip (Trip.com), and Hyosung!

Town Council denies Dean College liquor license; approved trash/recycling fee increase

Briefly:

• The Council denied Dean College a liquor license to replace the daily/event based one they request up to 30 times a year. No issues ever over the years of this process, yet fears of future problems prevailed for Council vote. With one member absent, the vote was 4-4 hence failing
• The water resource map was updated as a formality and necessary to correct technical errors, this was approved as the last legislative item for action
• The coronavirus update by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen still seems inadequate for at least one Councilor. The plan was released for the phased re-opening of Town operations but it seems to have been not enough
• The trash recycling fee increase was approved 8-0-1 (1 absent, 8 for)
• Action on the Community Preservation Act was punted to a future (June?) meeting primarily for tworeasons, Pellegri's absence and concern over the 3% proposal, although the Council still seems to want to put it on the November ballot. And they have time to do so by voting to approve before October

My real-time notes for the Town Council meeting of May 6, a lengthy session on Wednesday night.

• Real time reporting underway for Town Council meeting tonight, #tc0506
• 8 of the 9 Council in attendance tonight (Pellegri absent) approx 26 total participating at start of meeting #tc0506
• Motion to approve minutes of March 22; seconded passed 8-0-1 via roll call (1 absent) #tc0506
• Jackie Maciel lives on Elm St regarding COVID-19 data as published, raising problem with the #s as reported; towns being held hostage by the cities. Makes reference to AG Barr. #tc0506
• Next item water resource map update for hearing, had been discussed in time BCE (before coronavirus era) required per state DEP, really a house cleaning item. #tc0506 TA Jamie Hellen provides update, No cost to it. Up to 29 participating now
• Need to update map due to zoning requirements for the water resource protection, a developer had a proposal stopped to an inaccurate map #tc0506
• Dean college license application for liquor as discussed in last meeting back up for discussion, and revised since last time per discussion. Modifications to address items raised last time. New license would replace the daily ones they had been using #tc0506
• Discussion continues, side issues of future, and safety, and would this license then lead to a brewery desire? No, not desired by Dean, trying to simplify the license process for the Town and Dean #tc0506
• Annual license actually provides more oversight and protection (than the 30 x daily licenses) which is what some Councilors are asking for but appear to be getting confused by the side issues they raise #tc0506
• TA Hellen provides summary and updates to various points raised during the discussion. #tc0506
• Roll call vote on the amendment to add the restrictions to the motion, passed 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote on measure itself: Bissanti no, Chandler no, Dellorco no, Kelly no, motion does not carry as it finishes with a 4-4-1 (1 absent) #tc0506
• Moving on to coronavirus update, up to 98 cases, approx 20/week. Plan on return dept by dept shared last week including Library contactless pickup/take out #tc0506 all Beaver St services open next week, only brush this week
• Councilor Jones asking for the plan when the TA already said that is further away. There is NO public access under the first wave of the plan released. Not ready to make those decisions, discussion still underway #tc0506
• Moving on to Community Preservation act, recap of what's been done to get here. Did include 3% surcharge along with the common exemptions, if to out on ballot for Nov, need to decide by October. #tc0506
• Concern on the 3% item, maybe go lower initially. Get it passed, and perhaps after we have had success raise it later. Bissanti asking for delay to allow Pellegri to participate. #tc0506 most community went with 3 for the additional match/round of funding available
• Can getting kicked down the road on this item, seeming for and mostly for 3% but deferring to Pellegri for her to weigh in at a meeting in June #tc0506
• 1- Budget subcomm update on discussion 5/4 with follow up meeting on 5/11 at 5:30pm #tc0506 2- EDC meeting on inclusionary zoning held, another to be scheduled meeting notes and audio posted
• Legislation up now, Bruins Grant of $75K for Fletcher field of basketball street hockey court under construction #tc0506
• Acceptance of gift passed 8-0-1 (1 absent) #tc0506
• Recycling/trash fee increase up for 2nd approval; chart of fees over the years shared previously, still below what we had been paying before we started single stream, vote 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Next 5 items all up for approval are for the resulting agreements with various negotiation groups. First passed 8-0-1 (1 absent) these were discussed in executive session last week. All should pass by same vote hearing that. Second does
• Third passes, same vote; fourth passes, same vote and fifth passes by same vote - see agenda doc for details vote via roll call 8-0-1 (1 absent) #tc0506
• Zoning bylaw amendment 20-854 passed by 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Wouldn't due justice to the council comments with this method of notes, listen to the replay for details. #tc0506 thanks to residents for patience and compliance during this. Thanks to the first responders for their work helping us all!
• Motion to adjourn, seconded, passed via roll call 8-0-1(1 absent)

The agenda and associated documents can be found online
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-6.html

screengrab of virtual Town Council meeting 5/6/20

HockomockSports.com: Teams of the Decade #16: 2014 Franklin Girls Lacrosse

HockomockSports.com has compiled their "Teams of the Decade" listing and started revealing them this week working up from #20 to #1. In the 16th slot we find the FHS Girls Lacrosse team.

Team: Franklin Girls Lacrosse
Year: 2014
Record: 19-4-0
2014 Kelley-Rex Division Champions
2014 Division 1 East Champions & State Semifinalists

"In the life of any top program, there is a moment that takes a team from being one with potential to one that should be considered a threat to win a title every season.

For the Franklin girls’ lacrosse program that moment came in 2014. The team not only reached its first sectional final but also won the program’s first trophy, a springboard to the Panthers being considered among the state’s top teams every season.

“We had talented players and players who really wanted to take it to the next level,” said Franklin coach Kristin Igoe Guarino, who was in her second year as the head coach in 2014. “They kind of got a taste the year before and then just set high goals and worked hard.”

In Igoe Guarino’s first season in charge, the Panthers went unbeaten in the league and won the Kelley-Rex division title outright (after sharing with King Philip the year before). Franklin was emerging as the dominant force in the Hockomock, which would be borne out by eight straight league titles and more than 80 straight league wins (and counting), but there was a desire to see the team compete at the state’s highest level against the likes of Westwood, Needham, Wellesley, and Notre Dame Academy. "

Continue reading about the 2014 FHS Girls Lacrosse team
https://hockomocksports.com/teams-of-the-decade-16-2014-franklin-girls-lacrosse/

HockomockSports.com: Teams of the Decade #16: 2014 Franklin Girls Lacrosse

FHS "Keep Music Alive" 5/08/20 - #7

We hope that you are continuing to enjoy our teacher and student performances! 

Today, we will be featuring:

Chai Harsha
Chai is a sophomore viola player from FHS. He plays in the FHS String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, RI Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and this year was accepted into the Central District Orchestra and the MA All State Orchestra! Phew....He studies privately with Mr. Krishnaswami. 

Bach Sarabande  
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xgBQabvlJKb8kkEeUicORZIfEjpY1ubK/view





Amanda Melmed
This is an original by Amanda Melmed - a junior in the choral program at FHS. Amanda sings in the Treble Chorus and was slated to play Roxie in the 2020 production of Chicago. Outside of her work as a vocalist, Amanda plays piano and guitar, and writes her own songs. 

Enjoy "Sunflowers' Rays"!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TDBfIYrieMulhWyu5AQzcDaN_UNWvXf3/view





Mr. Barrett, Mr. Gustafson, Mrs. Fuller and Mrs. MacMurray
Elementary Staff with a dedication to all of our students but especially to our graduating seniors! Thank you Mr. Barrett, Mr. Gustafson, Mrs. Fuller and Mrs. MacMurray!!! So much fun!

Lean On Me https://youtu.be/VvoUPlmMjjw