Friday, September 18, 2020

In the News: get your flu shot now; COVID-19 vaccine will be a wait

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

"Think of the doctors and nurses dealing with COVID-19 on a daily basis.

That was Gov. Charlie Baker’s message Thursday after he got a flu shot at a Roslindale CVS and pressed Massachusetts residents to get vaccinated against the flu this fall, which he said will be critical to prevent overburdening the state’s health care system with the flu and COVID-19, which share many symptoms.

Baker has mandated that students in Massachusetts, from pre-school to college, and kids who participate in child care programs, must get their flu vaccine by the end of 2020 but said Thursday that it’s important that others elect to get a flu shot too. The governor said health care workers began talking with his team about a month ago about what it would mean to have flu activity peak at the same time as a second surge of COVID-19 cases. April’s surge in COVID-19 cases came after the bulk of activity associated with the last flu season.

“The point they made to us at that time was from a diagnostic point of view, from a care delivery point of view, from a capacity point of view, having the flu and COVID-19 surge in the commonwealth at exactly the same time would be an incredibly difficult situation for them to manage their way through and they urged us to step up our game — which is already pretty good relative to most of the states around the country — on flu vaccines,” Baker said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200918/baker-flu-shot-push-based-on-health-care-feedback?rssfeed=true

"FOR MONTHS, a quarantine-weary, virus-ridden nation has been waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine. It’s become the endgame, the antidote to all the death and economic destruction the virus has caused. Massachusetts’s final reopening stage, referred to as the “new normal,” is predicated on having an effective treatment or vaccine.

But experts are beginning to rein in the sky-high expectations, warning that a vaccine will not be the silver bullet that allows us to suddenly remove our masks and once again hug our friends.
“I don’t think we’re going back to normal any time soon, vaccine or no vaccine,” said Shira Doron, hospital epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center. “It’s not going to be like everyone gets vaccinated on Monday, nobody has to wear masks Tuesday.”

Todd Ellerin, director of infectious diseases at South Shore Health, echoes that caution. “Many experts don’t think that the vaccine alone is going to get us out of the pandemic,” he said. "

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/covid-19-vaccine-unlikely-to-be-a-silver-bullet/

Gov Baker's press conference on Thursday: https://youtu.be/kUOGMYLhVYs

Community Preservation Coalition - Happy birthday CPA!

"Happy 20th Birthday to CPA!

This week marks the 20th anniversary of Gov. Cellucci signing the #CommunityPreservationAct into law.

Since then, over half the state has adopted the program, raising over $2.35 billion for open space, historic preservation, and affordable housing."

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is on the Franklin ballot (Question #3) for the voters to decide this November. You can find out more about the act and what it provides online https://www.communitypreservation.org/

Community Preservation Coalition - Happy birthday CPA!

Picked up by the Franklin radar via Twitter https://t.co/EyUgKHnMAM

Commonwealth Magazine: "Senate leader sees $5b revenue downturn"

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

"DESPITE SIGNS that the state’s finances have not completely cratered during the pandemic, the Senate’s top budget official said this week he anticipates tax collections in fiscal 2021 to be down $5 billion from last year, and said lawmakers will need to dip “deeply” into the state’s $3.5 billion “rainy day” fund unless new federal aid arrives from Washington.

The state’s uncertain financial picture could start to come into clearer focus in the coming weeks as House and Senate leaders, as well as Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration, prepare to outline a plan to introduce and pass a long-term budget that would carry the state through July of next year.

Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Michael Rodrigues told business leaders that “some major announcements” would be made in the next couple weeks about how Beacon Hill leadership wants to proceed with a fiscal 2021 budget, as well as how to close the books on the fiscal year that ended June 30.

“It’s going to be a tough year, but we’ll get through this,” Rodrigues said."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/senate-leader-sees-5b-revenue-downturn/

There is an effect to Franklin with this news. Check out the Town Budget page to keep informed

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

IN the News: "Drought conditions ‘extreme’ in parts of Massachusetts"

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

"Much of Greater Milford is currently dealing with a “severe drought,” while all of MetroWest is dealing with a “moderate drought,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Parts of Bristol and Plymouth counties are dealing with an “extreme” drought and persistent dry conditions span most of the state, threatening crops, diminishing air quality and forcing water conservation measures.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday that 6.8% of the state — most of Bristol County and a sliver of western Plymouth County — is under an “extreme” drought while 30.4% of the state is facing a “severe” drought and another 49.9% of the state contends with a “moderate” drought.” Only the northwestern corner of the state is properly hydrated, the Monitor said.

“The meteorological summer (June-August) of 2020 was one of the hottest and driest on record in parts of the Northeast,” Brad Rippey, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, wrote in the monitor’s weekly summary. “Given the protracted period of heat and dryness, drought continues to expand and intensify in many areas.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200917/drought-conditions-extreme-in-parts-of-massachusetts?rssfeed=true

https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/data/jpg/current/current_ma_trd.jpg

Getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year

The best way to protect against the flu is to get the flu shot.

Why it's important to get your flu shot this year

Now more than ever, we all need to do our part to prevent the spread of illnesses. The best way to protect yourself from getting the flu and keep you from spreading it to others is to get vaccinated.

Once per flu season, flu shots are covered for people with Medicare, when you get it from your doctor, pharmacy, or other health care provider that accepts Medicare or your Medicare plan.

All places offering flu shots should be following CDC guidance to ensure you have a safe place to get vaccinated. This includes that patients wear a face covering and maintain social distance in areas like waiting rooms. Visit CDC.gov for more information on how to safely get a flu shot during the pandemic.

Sincerely,

The Medicare Team

For additional info = https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/flu-shots

This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.

Thursday, September 17, 2020

THE BLACK BOX Sings… Wicked - Sep 26 and Sep 27

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier theater, music, and event venue, will present a concert celebrating the music of the fifth longest running show in Broadway history: WICKED. THE BLACK BOX Sings...WICKED will star Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch with Jim Hogan singing Fiyero. Pianist Austin Davy from the Wicked tour accompanies an FPAC all-star cast featuring Ali Funkhouser, Nick Paone, Katie Gray, Hallie Wetzell, and Tim Ayres-Kerr. Socially distanced on THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Stage, join this cast of FPAC favorites for a celebration of the music of WICKED and the story of the Witches of Oz.

THE BLACK BOX Sings...Wicked will be performed September 26 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm and September 27 at 2:00 pm.

Modeled after the popular cabaret series “54 Sings” at Feinstein’s/54 Below in NYC, THE BLACK BOX continues THE BLACK BOX Sings… Series with the songs of Wicked. The series celebrates the music of musicals, composers, and artists sung by Franklin Performing Arts Company favorites.

THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Downtown Franklin, MA. For tickets and more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch

Morini Gallery - "In the Zone" - Online Juried Exhibit

In the words of Emily Hill, the journalist, being "in the zone" is delicious, immersive, and kinda trippy. Time collapses. Sound falls away. Suddenly we look up, and it's 4 AM. This tunnel-vision phenomenon is reported by athletes, creatives, and psychologists alike as a hyper-focused, sometimes spiritual, state of mind where anything is possible. It is where we become our most productive, creative, and powerful selves.

Artist's were asked to take a moment to recall that feeling and show us examples of when they truly felt they were… "In the Zone".

This exhibition is presented in a virtual format and can be viewed HERE https://mmas.org/online-exhibit-2/

“In the Zone” Online Juried Exhibition

September 1 – December 31, 2020

Morini Gallery - In the Zone Online Juried Exhibit

Commonwealth Magazine: "Number of high-risk communities jumps"

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

"THE NUMBER of communities considered high risk for COVID-19 increased from 13 to 17, while people younger than 39 led the way in infections, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all cases over the last two weeks.

The weekly data released by the Baker administration on Wednesday showed those in the 20-29 age category had 1,207 cases over the last two weeks, or 25 percent of the total. They were also highest on a per capita basis, with 16.6 cases per 100,000 people.

Those in the 0-19 category had 864 cases, or 18 percent of the total (53.9 cases per 100,000 people), while the 30-39 age category had 843 cases, nearly 18 percent of the total (92.9 cases per 100,000)."

Continue reading the article online https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/number-of-high-risk-communities-jumps/

Franklin's case count has increased slightly each of the recent weeks. Per the Board of Health meeting on Wednesday, there is a business that was identified as a 'hot spot' with a number of employee cases. The business was not identified.

Franklin data on COVID-19 community map

Image from the community data interactive map https://www.mass.gov/info-details/community-level-covid-19-data-reporting

"we need the federal government to step up to the plate and help us out"

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

"On a day when many students re-entered classrooms for the first time in six months, Senate President Karen Spilka said she’s closely monitoring the return to school, as well as efforts to control COVID-19 in local hot spots as legislators contemplate what the next three months will bring.

Spilka and House Speaker Robert DeLeo successfully pushed to extend formal legislative sessions past July until the end of the year, but immediately went on an extended recess and the agenda remains unclear. Leaders have said they wanted to preserve their ability to respond to any pandemic needs.

The Senate president took part in a “Women in Leadership” event hosted by the One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, but after several weeks out of the spotlight gave away very little about what the fall might look and sound like on Beacon Hill. She instead focused on her biography and what the Legislature had accomplished since March, and asked for the chamber’s input.

“With a global pandemic, it’s more important than ever to be bold and creative with our policy ideas,” she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200916/spilka-no-idea-on-stimulus-likelihood-coronavirus-outlook?rssfeed=true

In the News: "Baker plugs police reform, climate investments"

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

"Beacon Hill has been nearly silent for more than six weeks since the House and Senate extended formal sessions beyond their traditional July 31 end, and Gov. Charlie Baker made a call Tuesday for legislators to wrap up their work on his State Police reforms and a $1 billion climate resiliency proposal.

Baker highlighted those two issues as priorities he hopes to see lawmakers advance, adding emphasis to those matters more than a month after wide-reaching law enforcement and climate bills were steered into conference committees for private negotiations.

When the topic of State Police came up at a Tuesday press conference, Baker said his administration referred about 40 individuals to state and federal attorneys for criminal review, then touted a bill he filed in January.

That legislation would make it easier to suspend troopers without pay following misconduct and create a “fraudulent pay statute” allowing the state or municipalities to seek triple the amount of damages from police who falsify timesheets, among other changes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200916/baker-plugs-police-reform-climate-investments?rssfeed=true

Gov Baker press conference on Tuesday = https://youtu.be/CtXQBsxbC9k

"The story of Tabitha. It's the story of us" (video)

"Please watch. It's the story of Tabitha. It's the story of us.

We can do hard things.

And we will.

Because we are goddamn cheetahs. "

#GetUntamed https://t.co/n24gE5g0rv

A four minute video - Picked by Franklin radar via Twitter

https://twitter.com/GlennonDoyle/status/1305935311424413696?s=03

Please watch. It's the story of Tabitha. It's the story of us.
We can do hard things. And we will. Because we are goddamn cheetahs. #GetUntamed pic.twitter.com/n24gE5g0rv
— Glennon Doyle (@GlennonDoyle) September 15, 2020

"The story of Tabitha. It's the story of us"

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Hold the date: Missions Food Pantry Collection on Sept 25

Franklin Federated Church will be helping our neighbors in need in Franklin. The collection is scheduled for Sept 25, 2020 rain or shine. Additional information contained in the PDF flyer here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n4hXxAW8a2ngI5hDlw1G40OFyPbZwwEh/view?usp=sharing

Hold the date: Missions Food Pantry Collection on Sept 25

WBUR: Mass. Ballot Question 1 and Ballot Question 2 - What you need to know (video)

Ballot Question 1 - Right to Repair

"Question 1 on the Massachusetts ballot this fall may look familiar. It's a sequel to the "Right to Repair" measure that passed eight years ago.

Because of that law, you can take your car to any shop — not just a dealer's service center — and a mechanic can plug into your vehicle's computer system to figure out what's wrong. You can also buy a device to do this yourself.

The idea is that you have a right to the information needed to repair your car wherever you want and can't be forced to go to a dealership, hence the "Right to Repair" moniker."

wbur link to article https://www.wbur.org/news/2020/09/14/2020-ballot-question-1-right-to-repair-explainer

wbur link to video https://youtu.be/Iayi5t3YT90

Ballot Question 2 - Ranked Choice Voting

"November, Massachusetts voters will take up a ballot question that would fundamentally reshape the way they vote. Under a system called "ranked-choice voting,” races that involve more than two candidates give voters the option to numerically rank their choices.
Proponents of ranked-choice voting (RCV) say it would help to ensure that no candidate is elected by a minority of voters. Supporters include former Govs. Deval Patrick and Bill Weld, as well as former Harvard president Lawrence Summers, who calls it "the single most important change we can make to improve American democracy.”
But the voter system is controversial. Those against the proposal say it violates the “one-citizen, one-vote” principle and could create a bureaucratic nightmare."

wbur link to article https://www.wbur.org/news/2020/09/14/2020-ballot-question-2-ranked-choice-explainer

wbur link to video https://youtu.be/xNO-TONjuwI