Reopening Update to the Community from Dr. Sara Ahern - July 23, 2020

July 23, 2020

Dear Franklin Families:

We hope that you are having a good summer. We also recognize that it looks and feels quite different amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We are thinking of you at this time and hope that you find some relaxing moments amidst the worries and uncertainty you are facing. This update is quite long and contains the following information:

1. Update on the reopening of schools in the fall
2. A Save the Date note regarding upcoming Family Virtual “Chats” to learn more about reopening of school plans and opportunity to provide important input
3. Reminders about online registration, bus transportation for the fall, and summer food services
4. A budget update

Update on the Reopening of Schools in the Fall
We acknowledge that this is a time of anxiety and fear for all - students, faculty/staff, and families. We are in a fluid situation with new health information and guidance from multiple agencies (DESE, CDC, MA DPH) emerging regularly. We aim to provide certainty with what we know at this time but recognize that it is subject to change, and we don’t yet have all the answers.

New guidance from DESE and other agencies is emerging regularly, beginning with the initial guidance issued on June 25, 2020. At this time, the FPS Reopening Taskforce of nearly 60 individuals is working on a Reopening Plan. A preliminary plan will be submitted to DESE on July 31st, and then a Comprehensive Opening Plan will be submitted in early to mid-August. Our taskforce is a large group of administrators, teachers/counselors, FEA representatives, community reps (Facilities, SRO, school physician, and Health department), parents/guardians, and two School Committee representatives.

The plan will address health and safety requirements as well as three different student learning models:

1. In-person instruction
This model involves students attending in-person instruction following health and safety protocols defined by the CDC and DESE. Student desks would be arranged in rows, all facing the same way. Where possible, individuals would maintain 6 feet of physical distance and 3 feet of distance would be the minimum. Among other safety procedures, mask wearing would be in effect and handwashing/hand sanitizing protocols would be implemented. Staff and students would experience training on new practices.

2. Hybrid instruction
This model involves separating students into cohorts so that approximately 50% of students would attend school on certain days and approximately 50% of students would attend school on the alternative days. Cleaning and disinfecting would occur in between attendance of the different cohorts. When students are not present in school, they would be engaged in remote learning. Remote learning for the 2020-2021 school year is expected to be more robust than what students experienced in the spring.

Continue reading the update in the full PDF version linked/displayed here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y619J2kdNoWKTyN5rqmDofDRwPWs8xcl/view?usp=sharing

Nexamp Shared Solar Farm Information Session Scheduled

Franklin residents,

Please find an informational letter regarding a shared community solar farm attached here: 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/nexamp_signed_letter.pdf

"We're excited to let you know that residents of the Town of Franklin are eligible to subscribe to a new local shared community solar farm that is being built by Nexamp and going live in Summer 2021. Nexamp will be hosting online information sessions on August 25th and August 26th for all Franklin residents to learn more about how you can tap into these solar farms to reduce your electric bill.

The solar farm, located on Spring Street in Franklin, will add more than a 6.3 MW of renewable energy to National Grid's electricity grid, or enough electricity to power more than 800 homes. This community solar farm falls under Massachusetts' community solar program, which allows residents to subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and go solar without rooftop panels.

Subscribers receive credits on their National Grid electric bill for the energy produced by their solar farm share. Nexamp normally provides these credits at a 12.5% discount but, through a special agreement with the Town of Franklin, Nexamp is offering a special discount rate of 15% to Franklin residents, meaning subscribers can save even more on their annual electricity costs.

There's no upfront cost and no long-term commitment - you can cancel your community solar share with no penalties.

Nexamp and Franklin have worked together to ensure that a portion of the farm has been reserved for Franklin residents. Openings are on a first-come, first-served basis until October 15th. To learn more or to subscribe right now, please visit solar.nexamp.com/Franklin or call Nexamp at 800-945-5124.

You can also join Nexamp at one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more about the program and the special offer for Franklin residents. Each session runs for about 30 minutes and includes a program overview followed by a time of interactive Q&A.

Tuesday, August 25 7:00 pm  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84925478387

Wednesday, August 26 1:00 pm  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85976472137

You can quickly and easily register for either session by visiting the links above. having you join us."

solar farm installation at Mount St Mary's Abbey in progress in July 2013

SAFE Coalition Relapse Prevention Survey

Survey link  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QSB9ZTJ

View this email in your browser Help us Help YOU! The SAFE Coalition was founded on the principle that supportive services for substance use disorder must first come from those with lived experience. Through deep listening and active engagement in conversation, we recognize that our role is to hear the needs of the community, and develop services around these shared needs.  The dynamics of COVID-19 have impacted the ability to practice and maintain recovery in traditional ways. We are looking to hear from YOU on what you would like to see for relapse prevention services and supports.  The hope is to utilize these results in applying for funding that will allow us to create programming that directly relates to relapse prevention. Thank you for your time! Complete Survey HERE! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QSB9ZTJ Our mailing address is: PO Box 434 Franklin, MA 02038

Podcast recommendation: Aria code

One of the podcasts, I have subscribed to is shared by the Boston Globe and I am happy to concur with their recommendation. An opera aria is given insights from a few perspectives in each episode and then you can listen to it, truly appreciating it for what it is. Wonderfully done!

"With anything resembling normal concert life off the table for the foreseeable future, classical fans have been increasingly exploring various digital options. And while there is no shortage of archival performances now available for streaming, it’s hard to pretend they offer anything near the experience of the live event. Podcasts, on the other hand, are conceived and designed for digital consumption — and after a fairly slow start, the classical world is starting to get better at making them. Here, in no particular order, are five programs worth a listen for your summer (and fall?) without live music.

Aria Code

Since its arrival in the fall of 2018, Aria Code has broken through the noise and emerged as a destination opera podcast for both listeners just beginning to explore the genre, and those who already have their bearings in it. Its combination of substance and zip goes down smooth, as each episode opens up a single aria, typically from a well-known opera, and interweaves reflections on it from Met singers, writers, scholars, directors, and others to form a kind of guided micro-tour.

There’s also typically one guest with life experience connected to the theme the aria explores, underlining the unsubtle but still effective message that this centuries-old art form also connects to the here and now. Rhiannon Giddens, a MacArthur-winning banjo and fiddle player who was trained as an opera singer, makes for a lively host, but the music is the star — and it’s remarkable just how wide a vista a single well-chosen aria can open up. After the featured guests have concluded the guided tour, you get to hear the aria performed, at full length and inevitably with more resonance given the episode’s journey. www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/aria-code"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/22/arts/5-classical-podcasts-summer-without-live-music/

Rhiannon Giddens performed during the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade on July 4, 2018.Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

MA Senate Passes Brewers Compromise

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday unanimously passed legislation that resolves a decade-long distribution dispute between brewers and wholesalers in the Commonwealth.

"Craft brewing is an industry that has grown in Massachusetts as a result of innovation, entrepreneurship, hard work and dedication to supporting small businesses, and is now thriving," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Solving this decade-long dispute was a priority of mine long before becoming Senate President and I look forward to seeing this important agreement codified in law. I would like to thank my colleagues Senators Paul Feeney, Joe Boncore and Cindy Creem for their efforts and the Massachusetts Brewers Guild and Beer Distributors of Massachusetts for their determination in reaching this landmark compromise."

"The MBG is incredibly grateful for the support and leadership of Senate President Spilka in advocating for franchise law reform," said Sam Hendler, President of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild and co-founder of Jack's Abby Craft Lagers. This agreement is a victory for the more than 200 craft breweries across Massachusetts that have become pillars of their communities, helping local economies to thrive and drawing tourism to new areas. It took the collective effort of our counterparts in the legislature, the brewing community and the wholesalers to ensure we are able to continue our work as craft brewers now and for years to come."

"The Beer Distributors of Massachusetts are tremendously appreciative of the work, support, and leadership provided by Senate President Spilka in encouraging the Brewers Guild and the Beer Distributors to agree on franchise law reform that has been disputed for the past 10-years" said Joe Salois, owner & president of Atlas Distributing, Inc., Auburn, MA. "The efforts, leadership, and uncompromising willingness to reach agreement by the brewers, distributors, and legislature was a driving force in this achievement" said Salois.

The legislation, An Act Relative to Craft Brewers (S.2829), represents the agreement reached by The Massachusetts Brewers Guild, representing craft breweries, and the Beer Distributors of Massachusetts after good-faith negotiations encouraged by Spilka and her Senate colleagues.

"This bill will update our current franchise laws to reflect the modern marketplace, protect jobs and level the playing field for emerging brewers here in the Commonwealth," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I applaud the spirit of compromise shown by brewers and distributors to get this done and reach agreement during this time of great uncertainty. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and Senators Feeney, Boncore and others for their hard work to ensure we pass this legislation today."

"This agreement and resulting legislation is indicative of the importance of a growing beer industry here in Massachusetts. Both the brewers and distributors came together to forge an agreement that protects jobs, promotes economic growth and entrepreneurship, and benefits consumers," said Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough). "I am proud to have played a role, along with Senate President Spilka and Senator Creem in providing the environment and sense of urgency that allowed this deal to be reached by these two very willing stakeholders. This legislation should signal to the industry that the Commonwealth is supportive of this growing sector and that a network of local and independent distributors and workers are ready to bring their product to market."

"Massachusetts is home to more than 200 breweries that represent the unique culture and contours of our local communities," said Senator Joe Boncore (D-Winthrop). "This legislation will create a level playing field for craft brewers. Now, perhaps more than ever, it is critical that we support small and local businesses as we work towards economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic."

"The growth and expansion of the craft brewery business over the last decade has been a welcome addition to the State economy," said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D.Newton). "I applaud all the parties involved for reaching an agreement that will allow this industry to flourish both now and into the future."

In Massachusetts, current law makes it difficult for a brewer to end a relationship with their distributor, jeopardizing potential growth. The compromise legislation (S.2829) would allow a brewery that produces less than 250,000 barrels (or just over 3.4 million cases) a year to end their relationship with a distributor with a 30-day notice and other certain protections. If a distribution contract is terminated, the brewery would be responsible for fairly compensating the wholesaler the fair market value of the distribution rights in addition to other costs for inventory and marketing investments. The legislation calls for both parties to engage in an expedited arbitration process to resolve such issues.

An Act Relative to Craft Brewers now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration. 

Senate Passes Bill for Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in State House

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday unanimously passed legislation to establish a memorial to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the House Chamber of the Massachusetts Legislature. The memorial will include the text of the civil rights leader's historic speech delivered in front of a joint convention of both houses of the Massachusetts General Court.

In his 1965 speech to the Legislature, King noted Massachusetts' role in securing liberty for this country. King furthermore declared, that "No section of the country can boast of clean hands in the area of brotherhood," and charged both state lawmakers and members of the public with doing more to preserve liberty and create a just society. The full text of the speech would be included on a plaque in the State House.

"The words of Dr. Martin Luther King have never been more important, especially as we embark on the hard work of dismantling systemic racism by reforming our system, shifting our resources and building a more equitable and just Commonwealth," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "I look forward to seeing his powerful message memorialized in the State House. I would like to thank the resolve's sponsor, Representative Bud Williams as well as Representative Carlos González, chair of the Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus, members of the caucus and Senator Lovely for advocating for this important remembrance."

"Dr. King's 1965 speech reminds all legislators of our heavy responsibilities to create a Commonwealth where Black people receive equal and just treatment," said Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem). "The placement of this plaque in the House chamber will make the State House a more inclusive and inspirational place for those of us who work here as well as for those who come to see our work."

The legislation now moves back to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for further action.

Senate Passes Bill for Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in State House

In the News: plastic bag prohibition on for November 1

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

"With the green light given for reusable bags to return to stores, Franklin’s plastic bag ban is back on track and scheduled to take effect this fall. 

The local ban, adopted by the Town Council early in the year, was originally slated to begin July 1. It was temporarily put on hold in late March after Gov. Charlie Baker issued an order disallowing use of carry-in, reusable shopping bags -- action taken to help prevent the possibility of spreading the virus. 

Now that reusable bags have been cleared by the state to be used once again, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said local stores can seek a three-month waiver from the town in order to give them time to prepare for the local plastic bag ban. The clock starts ticking on Aug. 1, making the Franklin bylaw officially effective on Nov. 1. 

“A letter went out to licensees last week” alerting them to the re-start of the bylaw timeline, he said via email on Monday.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200723/franklin-ban-on-plastic-bags-back-on-track-to-begin-this-fall/1?rssfeed=true

Approved in Feb 2020, halted by the pandemic the bag prohibition is now set for Nov 1.

Feb 2020 approval
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/town-council-meeting-feb-12-2020-recap.html

July delay
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/plastic-bag-prohibition-effective-date.html

In the News: plastic bag prohibition on for November 1