FM #265 Franklin Food Pantry New Building 5/04/20 (audio)

FM #265 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 265 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Lynn Calling, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry and Tina Powderly, Chair of the Board of Directors. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the happy news that the Food Pantry has their own home to look forward to. While they are appreciative of the space Rockland Trust has let them use for over 10 years, their needs have outgrown the space.

Lynn talks about the current operations during this pandemic. Tina provides some background on the building search and closing. Work remains to be done before they move. There will be a capital campaign to help fund the mortgage and buildout.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear about my background with the Food Pantry and that I am committing to this capital campaign.

The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Lynn and Tina. Audio file =  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-265-franklin-food-pantry-new-bldg-plus-5-04-20

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Prior recording with Lynn Calling at the end of March 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-230-lynn-calling-franklin-food.html

The Franklin Food Pantry current needs
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/

Donate to the Franklin Food Pantry
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-funds/

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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"

Lynn Calling, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry in front of the new building at 138 East Central St

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 11

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

(Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee)

May 11, 20205:30 PM

Meeting Hosted on the “Zoom” Platform
● Link to access the meeting:​ Click​​here​ then click “Open Zoom”
● Direct Link to Zoom meeting:​​https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84748701152
● Call-in Phone Number: 1-929-205-6099​ Meeting ID: ​847-4870-1152​ then press #



Agenda
1. FY21 Budget Discussion

Document released for this agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/05-11-2020_joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_agenda.pdf

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 11

 

FM #264 Board of Health Meeting 5/06/20 (audio)

FM #264 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 264 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA Board of Health regular monthly meeting as scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2020. The meeting was conducted via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Each speaker is identified before they speak so you can follow along. The show notes provide links to the agenda and my notes taken via Twitter during the meeting.

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health Meeting held May 6.   Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HN7SKgS7



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My notes via Twitter  https://twitter.com/hashtag/boh0506?src=hashtag_click

• Real time reporting underway for the Board of Health meeting today #boh0506
• First item on agenda, actually a moot point given the Executive Order made by Gov Baker last Friday. Chief Lynch providing update on enforcement role. Education first, volunteer compliance looked for. #boh0506
• Businesses can refuse service if a customer doesn't have a mask and is not compliant. Thanks to the FPD for their effort expressed by members of the BoH #boh0506
• Essential services being reviewed and FAQ on town portal was updated accordingly. Curbside and remote delivery allowed where permitted. Dog grooming currently not essential per MA DPH #boh0506
• Golf courses are not considered essential at this time. There was discussion with Franklin Country Club around groundskeeper activity which is permitted, golfing is not #boh0506
• Some Boards of Health have differed on golf interpretation, this was addressed at DPH level meeting recently to correct as the deviants were creating a problem for others. Golfer agreed to disagree. #boh0506
• Questions on non-compliance with folks who are claiming medical reasons but really don't have, due to HIPPA regulations. Not a good answer but it is what it is #boh0506
• Forgot to close out that meeting has adjourned via roll call vote. Next meeting currently scheduled for 1st Weds in June. Stay tuned for updates in case things change. Audio recording of this to be made available for your listening pleasure soon #boh0506

Board of Health agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/franklin-ma-board-of-health-agenda-may-6.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 #264 Board of Health Meeting 5/06/20 (audio)

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