Hockomock Area YMCA Out of School Time (OST) Support Programs Pre-Registration Opens

With local schools in Franklin, Bellingham and Milford operating hybrid or remote, the Bernon Family Branch YMCA in Franklin will fill the gaps to ensure kids have safe places to learn during the school day while parents are managing their own work and schedule commitments. Out of School Time (OST) provides full day in-person learning assistance and additional enrichment programming for grades K-6. OST full day programs will take place in both Franklin and Milford. We offer 3 or 5 day options running from 7:00 am – 4:00 pm (until 5:00 pm in Milford), with optional extended care available in Franklin.

YMCA staff will assist students in their school assignments using their own Chromebook and headset, assist with questions during remote learning, and help to keep them on track as they connect with their teachers online. During class breaks and after school work is completed, the Y team will engage students with enrichment and physical activities.

Safety is our top priority, and the COVID safety protocols we'll use are based on procedures developed for our successful Summer Camp and Emergency Child Care programs that allowed our Hockomock Area YMCA branches to safely provide care for over 700 kids during the past six months.

OST PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

FRANKLIN (available for Franklin, Bellingham and Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School students):

• OST runs 7:00 am – 4:00 pm 5 DAYS (cost $300 per week)
• OST runs 7:00 am – 4:00 pm 3 DAYS (cost $180 per week)

MILFORD (at Milford Youth Center, 24 Pearl Street, Milford):

• OST runs 7:00 am – 4:00 pm 5 DAYS (cost $250 per week)
• OST runs 7:00 am – 5:00 pm 3 DAYS (cost $150 per week)

EXTENDED CARE AVAILABLE IN FRANKLIN:

• Runs 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm 5 DAYS (cost $50 per week or free to Hockomock Area YMCA members)
• Runs 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm 3 DAYS (cost $30 per week or free to Hockomock Area YMCA members)

Note: use promo code BEFOREANDAFTER to avoid paying our registration fee twice – for any child you have already enrolled in OST.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Our Y offers programs and services to all regardless of ability to pay. Our financial assistance program is available to those who need support and for those that qualify. Download our financial assistance brochure pdf here (https://www.hockymca.org/shared/docs/financial-assistance-application.pdf).

Use promo code VOUCHER$50 during registration if you are using a state voucher

Use promo code ROFY$25 during registration if you currently receive a Hockomock Area YMCA scholarship

HOW TO REGISTER

Currently, we are accepting $50 deposits. We offe

Hockomock Area YMCA Out of School Time (OST)

r a 5% discount for siblings, and will be applied automatically upon the start of the billing cycle. Following enrollment at the link below, please keep an eye out for our email with required next steps. An email will be sent within three business days. Included will be forms that you must complete and return to your local Hockomock Area YMCA or via scanned email. Though they may have been responded to in the online pre-registration, the forms must be completed in their entirety. Once we review your forms, only then can we contact you to confirm your student's enrollment.

** CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW FOR OUT OF SCHOOL TIME **: Franklin | Milford

For questions or more information, please contact us at 508-643-5243 or schoolsout2@hockymca.org, or visit us at https://www.hockymca.org/out-of-school-time-support/. 

Commonwealth Magazine: "Baker targets 5 hotspots with ed campaign"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin: 

"THE BAKER ADMINISTRATION is launching a new, fairly basic COVID-19 education campaign targeting the five communities hardest hit by the virus.

Gov. Charlie Baker said the campaign will promote the use of masks, social distancing, and the avoidance of larger gatherings. The campaign will run in multiple languages, on billboards and social media, in Chelsea, Everett, Lawrence, Lynn, and Revere – communities where the rate of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people puts them in the high-risk category. (For a story on the latest town-by-town rankings, click here.)

Special teams will also be dispatched to the five communities – at 15 locations over the Labor Day weekend – reminding people of what they need to do to reduce the spread of the disease.

The five communities have struggled with COVID-19 since the beginning. Analysts have suggested the communities have been hard hit because residents tend to live in crowded apartments; to work essential jobs that require them to physically go to an office or a shop, often on public transit; and to cope with underlying health conditions that are exacerbated by pollution and other environmental factors. The five communities also have a high percentage of immigrants, who may not speak English."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-targets-5-hotspots-with-ed-campaign/

This week's local community COVID-19 status report

https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-public-health-report-september-2-2020/download

Gov Baker's press conf link = https://youtu.be/waE3cvazQRo

 

In the News: Franklin vote completes after midnight Thursday (Friday morning)

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

"On Thursday afternoon, Debra O’Malley, a spokesperson with Secretary of State William Galvin’s office, said 3,000 full ballots had been misplaced in Franklin and went uncounted on election night. The same thing happened with about 750 ballots in Newton and 100 ballots in Wellesley.

Because ballots must be counted in view of the public, and on election night, tabulating the missing ballots after that day required a Suffolk Superior Court order, which the Secretary’s office says was granted at about 5 p.m. Wednesday night.

Previous reports put the number of uncounted ballots in Franklin at about 600."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200903/updated-it-has-been-determined-more-than-3000-ballots-have-not-been-counted-in-franklin-after-more-boxes-of-ballots-are-found?rssfeed=true 

Boston Globe article

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/04/metro/ap-declares-jake-auchincloss-winner-fourth-district-democratic-primary/

Commonwealth Magazine article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/glitches-mar-tuesdays-election/

Why did it take so long? The manual process of counting is not efficient

"Fed said that restaurants in Boston are 'faring worse than the rest of the state'.”

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

"Al fresco dining has become an important part of the restaurant industry in Massachusetts, having “dramatically increased” when state government prohibited indoor dining to slow the spread of the coronavirus, analysts at the Federal Reserve Bank said.

In its latest Beige Book, which draws information from banking and business contacts, the Fed highlighted that more than one-third of restaurant sales in Massachusetts this summer came from outdoor dining, which it said “is unusual in Massachusetts where fewer than 20% of restaurants had outdoor dining options before the pandemic.”

While restaurants in coastal areas operated at roughly 75% of typical sales on average through the summer months, the Fed said that restaurants in Boston are “faring worse than the rest of the state.”

Restaurants were allowed to resume indoor dining in June, but many eateries have expanded into outdoor spaces in order to serve customers who might not yet be comfortable venturing indoors for a meal during the pandemic."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200903/fed-outdoor-dining-tied-to-one-third-of-restaurant-sales?rssfeed=true

3 Restaurant is one of several in Franklin offering outdoor dining

Town Council Recap: Sep 2, 2020 - Building Dept update, plot line changes approved, gifts accepted

Recap: The Town Council heard from the Building Commissioner, Gus Brown as he provided an update on the work of the department and coordination with Planning, Planning Board, ZBA, Inspections, etc. The presentation included photos of the variety of projects worked on recently.

This is one of a series of department updates to the Town Council to increase awareness of the work being done by some of the 'less known' departments. Board of Health coming up next.

The 4th set in the series of plot line zoning changes was covered in a public hearing and then ultimately moved to a second reading. Over time a particular plot of land may have ended up straddling 2 or in some cases 3 or more zoning categories. This clean up moves the plot into a single zone. 

The Town Council approved a series of donations. They also accepted a sewer line extension for a single property off Daniels St not currently served by sewer and where the ground can not handle a septic system.

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tc0902
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0902?src=hashtag_click 

• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting #tc0902 Chair Tom Mercer opens with the meeting statement and protocol. Meeting is available via local cable Verizon/Comcast and live stream via Town website
• Statement from Town Clerk on a number of early voting ballots not counted as of last night, the matter is being addressed and the results will be shared when available #tc0902
• Citizens comments: Dale Kurtz reminding bricks on sale for veteran walkway #tc0902 Laura Stevens speaking about kitchen use when she doesn't have a commercial grade kitchen. Can't use shared space due to COVID-19 requirements.
• Moving to approval of minutes from July 29, motion to approve via roll call 8-0 (1 absent - Earls) #tc0902 opening public hearing on lot line changes along Beaver and Oak St, 4th of this session. Previously voted on by planning board and EDC
• Most of the property owned by Town where FHS and school complex is #tc0902   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver-oak_streets.pdf Abutters and owners notified prior
• Bissanti raises concern on reducing amount of Res 4 zoning. Zoning doesn't really apply to town property, usage or value doesn't change. Simplifies the zoning map as part of the overall plan. #tc0902 motion to close hearing, second, via roll 8-0 (1 absent - Earls)
• Gus Brown, building commissioner to provide update. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._building_department_09-16-2020_tc_presentation_0.pdf  doc linked here. #tc0902
• FYI over 30 participants for the Zoom portion of the meeting, also available via cable via Verizon and Comcast as well as live streamed via Town web site #tc0902 Bruce Hunchard of ZBA speaks to their role
• Viewpoint online permit process implemented in July 2019 if not the building permit process would really have stopped during COVID-19 #tc0902 thanks to multiple folks by Gus for their help in getting online.
• Examples of work done #tc0902
• More examples #tc0902
• First of series of presentations scheduled for TC update, Board of Health coming up next. #tc0902 unregistered cars are not allowed on private property, some say one is, not ever is Gus' time has one been allowed.
• "Change is a tough process but sometimes it is for the better" #tc0902 virtual inspections performed, pictures were taken and reviewed thoroughly, going back out now to sites where they do have pictures to confirm.
• Pellegri can't remember a complaint during the time she worked with him as town clerk #tc0902 vacant property bylaw (not blight) did get money via fines from some of the banks, property owners for vacant property
• Solar project in on Spring st will be paved to the new parking lot for access to both SNETT and Town forest trails. The rest of Spring st will be decommissioned sometime #tc0902 Jamie provides updates on solar project
• Audience opportunity, no one takes it up. Gus makes closing comments thanks Jamie for leadership and Council for guidance #tc0902 
• Moving to subcommittee reports; budget meeting 9/16 . EDC met earlier tonight recorded and broadcast Chandler joined to take Earls place
• Motion on gift acceptance https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-51_-_veterans_department_gift.pdf  #tc9902 seconded, passed 8-0 (1 absent) Attny Cerel chimed in that with all Council present no need for roll call This closes VFW info for the walkway, xfers funds to Town; ledger coming to help with location
• #tc0902 motion on change of date from Nov 11 to the 4th https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-52_updated_2020_tc_schedule.pdf  Motion carried 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 regular transfer of cable funds to cable group https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-53_-_peg_funds.pdf  Motion passes 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 motion to accept gift for senior center https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resolution_20-54_gift_acceptance_-_senior_center.pdf  Motion passes 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 acceptance of deed and easement https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-55_roadway_easement_-_rossi.pdf   motion passes 8-0 (1 absent) housekeeping issue, easement referenced but not formally declared previously compensation was made 20 years ago
• #tc0902 zoning bylaw for the plot line changes for the public hearing earlier in this session. Move to 2nd reading https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver-oak_streets.pdf   Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 sewer system extension proposal https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20g._bylaw_amendment_20-859_-_sewer_system_extension_100_daniels_street.pdf Motion to move to second reading, seconded, passes 8-0 (1 absent) property owner has no other options. Owner will maintain line; consider a public extension? Would require pump station for public
• Town administrator report, all set. Requesting item for beer, wine licenses for consideration during this pandemic. #tc0902 Councilor comments, Chandler thanks for EDC Davis Thayer study? Jamie to forward link. Chandler censured on facebook for first time. Hamblen grants coming
• Pellegri questions on report of museum, good reminder report should be forthcoming. Time spent initially on getting the vendor contract signed. CPA info session coming up Sep 8. #tc0902 unfunded mandates from schools? Jones asked before and hasn't seen yet.
• Mercer on south meeting house, light on? Can we turn it off? Or for safety? #tc0902 Gus Brown came back to thank the town folks and contractors for their patience. Motion to adjourn, passed 8-0. That's all tonight, catch you next time

Town Council agenda doc  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-sep-2.html

Photos captured during the virtual meeting broadcast   https://photos.app.goo.gl/3Fc56adksVZyJvt1A 

Building Commissioner Gus Brown

EDC Meeting Recap: "Franklin First", QR codes, and complete streets discussed

Recap:  Brief update on re-opening provided at beginning of meeting. Grant application being readied for distribution, possible next week.
 
Shift to the market study and picking up on prior meeting discussion of placements at restaurants, adding QR codes to help with finding things, a “Franklin First” campaign in the works to help foster buying local.
 
Complete streets and the details around it reviewed, some of the impact seen with the rework on the Main St and downtown project completed a couple of years ago. Would be a policy (not a bylaw) to help address planning for the street to consider all modes of transit (rather than just the auto which is prevalent today).

----------- 

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #boh0902
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0902&src=typeahead_click

• Shifting to real time reporting underway for EDC meeting which had just started at 5:45 PM #edc0902
• "Franklin First" campaign in the planning stages to help foster local buy, better linkage between cultural district and town page (as foreshadowed in Cultural District meeting) #edc0902
• Touting QR codes, do they realize (1) most devices don't read them (2) a major security issue is opened. #edc0902
• If you're not aware of QR codes, this link on Wikipedia can help explain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code  #edc0902
• QR codes being proposed as an additional items to help with navigation and info finding #edc0902 
• Website being touted as never done, actually seems to be referring to Cultural District page (Not Town page) which raises questions about what is the cultural district?
• Tapping into Metro West visitors bureau and other regional/state orgs to help with marketing in print, web, social, etc. #edc0902 an increase of biking seen in this pandemic period, work on 'complete streets' coordinate with traffic lights to get activated by bikes
• Policy proposal would need to be accepted by planning board and town Council #edc0902 complete streets would require all uses of the road would be considered, currently car is priority for road construction.
• The state is already complete streets planning, some of the road work we're doing is also complete streets (as in road narrowing) #edc0902 need to get credit for what they are doing. Framework and guidance doc, not a bylaw
• Meeting adjourned, getting ready for #3; Town Council up at 7 PM #edc0902. #tc0902 

The EDC agenda can be found online    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-economic-development.html

Photos captured during the meeting and shared with the Twitter thread can be found here

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bXGKVDGEQte4r6EB7

Councilor Brian Chandler new member of the EDC gestures in asking a question

Board of Health Recap - Sep 2, 2020

Recap: The Franklin, MA Board of Health discussed and approved a tiered penalty structure for violations of COVID-19 emergency order to be effective Sep 8, 2020.

The interns presented the plan for distribution of the flu shots and potentially for the coronavirus vaccine. Workflow, materiel order sheets, workstation supply sheets, etc. It seems comprehensive. Copy not available other than via screen captures during the meeting. 

Some other items of business were reviewed briefly before the meeting closed with kudos to the interns for their work on the planning.

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #boh0902
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0902&src=typeahead_click
 

• Real time reporting underway for Board of Health meeting #boh0902  discussion on process for board to enforce the emergency order, warning and escalation of fine per offense proposed.
• Agenda for this meeting on the Town webpage #boh0902 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-9-2-20_2.pdf 
• Tiered penalty; written warning for first offense, $100 for next, $200 as next, $300 as next violation. Proposal being voted on to be effective 9/8/20 motion made, seconded, passed 3-0 #boh0902
• Interns presenting on emergency drive through service (EDS) #boh0902
• More slides from presentation Dec, not all included #boh0902
• Presentation covers process if and when Town would set up to distribute flu vaccine and later for the potential of a COVID Vaccine #boh0902
• Annual report section submitted for town annual report; EEE being watched, we are good so far. #boh0902 meeting adjourned

Photos captured during the live broadcast can be found on this online folder

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qc92AJ3sK3CLNK6r5

designs for signs to be used in the distribution process