The next edition of Panther News is out: https://youtu.be/xF8wSShfHd4
Friday, October 9, 2020
Board of Health Meeting - Recap and Audio - 10/7/20
Recap:
- Short and productive meetings, minutes from prior September sessions approved
- Senior Center drive through flu clinic was a success, plans underway for another one to be scheduled
- Cathleen updated on the resumption of the podcast series planned for monthly
- Only 14 quarantine cases currently, has been good overall due to the coordination of Town departments and the community
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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 ##boh1007
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh1007&src=typed_query
- Real time reporting underway for the Franklin, MA Board of Health meeting #boh1007
- Motion to approve both meetings for Sep as presented. Seconded, passes 3-0. Drive through, vaccinated 75 people including some children, well organized, nurses deployed to vaccinate on either side of car, forms handled, it went smoothly. #boh1007
- Cathleen updates on resuming podcast series monthly, #boh1007 Merchi had been closed for violations and now resolved, so reopened for business as of today. No issues with enforcement penalty previously approved.
- Q Any info on neighboring Communities and what they are doing. Not yet, everyone is head's down doing what they need to do. "It is a hot mess" Q any questions on Halloween? Not a holiday governed. #boh1007 14 in isolation now, other wise doing well.
- It has been good here starting with Fire Chief and what they did, it has built out from there, the collaboration is good. #boh1007 Motion to adjourn, passed 3-0 via roll call
Meeting agenda: https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/franklin-ma-board-of-health-meeting-oct.html
Meeting Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HsdJxZBK
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| Board of Health Meeting - Recap and Audio - 10/7/20 |
Franklin Library: Jumpin' Juba Car Concert - Oct 9
Jumpin' Juba Car Concert, Friday, October 9, 3:00 PM. Please remain in your vehicle while enjoying the concert!
This program is supported by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. https://t.co/xCYg351hu3
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| Franklin Library: Jumpin' Juba Car Concert - Oct 9 |
Municipal Aggregation - Information Session Video
The recent Information Session on the Municipal Aggregation agreement the Town of Franklin has implemented for Franklin residents was recorded and available for video replay.
Video link = https://youtu.be/Vl7qvosl33g
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen at the Town Council meeting announcing the deal in Feb 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-208-jamie-hellen-on-municipal.html
MA sets PFAS limits for drinking water
Via the Mass Municipal Association (MMA) which reports
"The Baker-Polito administration on Sept. 24 announced final regulations establishing a maximum contaminant level for PFAS compounds detected in drinking water.
The enforceable standards for public drinking water systems impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – limited to 20 parts per trillion for the sum of six compounds – are largely aligned with the draft regulations the administration filed last December, on which the MMA commented.
PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” are a class of manmade chemical compounds considered hazardous to public and environmental health. PFAS have been used since the 1950s in the manufacture of stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick coatings and common consumer products such as food packaging, outdoor clothing, carpets, leather goods, ski and snowboard waxes, and more. The chemicals are also found in firefighting foam and other fire retardants, and have been detected in water and soil sources at or near several military bases and airports in Massachusetts.
The new regulations require public water suppliers to test for the six compounds, called PFAS6, and to take remedial actions when amounts exceed the limit. According to the administration, using the sum of six compounds provides for a higher degree of protection against the harmful effects of the chemicals."
Continue reading the article online https://www.mma.org/state-establishes-pfas-limits-for-drinking-water-provides-grants/
Final regulations from MA https://www.mass.gov/regulations/310-CMR-22-the-massachusetts-drinking-water-regulations
MMA comments on proposed regulations https://www.mma.org/advocacy/mma-submits-comments-on-draft-pfas-regulations-warning-of-exorbitant-costs/
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| MA sets PFAS limits for drinking water |
New England Journal of Medicine: "Dying in a Leadership Vacuum"
The New England Journal of Medicine writes the following editorial:
"COVID-19 has created a crisis throughout the world. This crisis has produced a test of leadership. With no good options to combat a novel pathogen, countries were forced to make hard choices about how to respond. Here in the United States, our leaders have failed that test. They have taken a crisis and turned it into a tragedy.
The magnitude of this failure is astonishing. According to the Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering,1 the United States leads the world in Covid-19 cases and in deaths due to the disease, far exceeding the numbers in much larger countries, such as China. The death rate in this country is more than double that of Canada, exceeds that of Japan, a country with a vulnerable and elderly population, by a factor of almost 50, and even dwarfs the rates in lower-middle-income countries, such as Vietnam, by a factor of almost 2000. Covid-19 is an overwhelming challenge, and many factors contribute to its severity. But the one we can control is how we behave. And in the United States we have consistently behaved poorly.
We know that we could have done better. China, faced with the first outbreak, chose strict quarantine and isolation after an initial delay. These measures were severe but effective, essentially eliminating transmission at the point where the outbreak began and reducing the death rate to a reported 3 per million, as compared with more than 500 per million in the United States. Countries that had far more exchange with China, such as Singapore and South Korea, began intensive testing early, along with aggressive contact tracing and appropriate isolation, and have had relatively small outbreaks. And New Zealand has used these same measures, together with its geographic advantages, to come close to eliminating the disease, something that has allowed that country to limit the time of closure and to largely reopen society to a prepandemic level. In general, not only have many democracies done better than the United States, but they have also outperformed us by orders of magnitude."
Continue reading the editorial online https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2029812
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| New England Journal of Medicine: "Dying in a Leadership Vacuum" |
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Town of Franklin: Spear Phishing Attack Announcement
October 8, 2020
To: Town of Franklin Residents
From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
The Town of Franklin is cautioning all residents and employees to be mindful of the sharp increase in malicious cyber fraud and email phishing attempts. The Town of Franklin is announcing today that it has itself been the victim of a recent “spear-phishing” attack. A payment of $522,000 was misdirected to a third party.
The matter has been turned over to the Franklin Police Department who are working with state and federal authorities, for a complete criminal investigation. In addition, the Town has retained as special counsel in connection with this matter an attorney to coordinate and work with the authorities on this matter. Attorneys for the Town have requested there be no further comment on the investigation until the appropriate time when all of the facts have been gathered and the Franklin Police Department has completed its investigation.
I have been reassured that Franklin’s electronic data is secure. There is currently no evidence of a breach of our systems. All personal information, accounts and town software systems have been found not to be compromised. The incident was not a ransomware attack.
I also wish to note that this incident has not affected the Town’s general fund. It occurred in connection with a non-general fund account. The Town is implementing new procedures and protocols to limit future incidents of this type and urges all to guard against increased fraud.
For further resources and information on cyber-crime, threats and spear-phishing, please visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) cyber-crime website here:
https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber
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Shared via ToF Twitter account https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1314341421135147013 which contained the following PDF https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/2020-10-08_spear_phishing_attack_announcement_.pdf
Town of Franklin: Spear Phishing Attack Announcement
FM #361 "Frank Presents" - Election2020 - 9/30/20 (audio)
FM #361 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 361 in the series.
This shares the recording of “Frank Presents” hosted by Frank Falvey. In this segment Frank talks with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Town Clerk Nancy Danello, and myself to review the details in preparation for the Nov 3, 2020 general election.
The recorded conversation runs just about 43 minutes, so let’s listen to “Frank Presents” discussing the Franklin election process for 2020.
Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1bHHtBK
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The Town Clerk page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk
Ballot Tracker https://www.sec.state.ma.us/wheredoivotema/track/trackmyballot.aspx
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
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"
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| FM #361 Frank Presents Election2020 - 9/30/20 (audio) |
FM #360 Finance Committee Mtg - 10/06/20 (audio)
FM #360 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 360 in the series.
This shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting that was held on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
A quick recap:
- Organization voting process to elect Chair - Bill Dowd, Vice-chair - George Conley, and Clerk - Nicole Corbiseiro
- Discussion on minor updates to the Management Plan last updated Dec 2000 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/plan.pdf Included in the discussion, how to organize and cover departments to better understand the details of their budgets and operations. Modifications approved to document by 8-0 vote, corrected copy to be posted to FinCom page
- Update on fiscal status provided by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, clarification questions asked
- Discussion on a series of topics to be covered per meeting and a more regular set of meetings. Next meeting Nov 17, followed by Dec 15. In 2021, Weds evenings opposite from the Town Council schedule (1 and 3 Weds) to be determined for balance of year and published.
The meeting runs just about 76 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting of Oct 6, 2020 Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6zrcKJK
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The agenda doc, including connection info
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/finance-committee-agenda-oct-6-2020.html
My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting are summarized here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/finance-committee-recap-of-meeting-oct.html
Photos used in the Twitter thread can be found in the Google photo album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/gaTjkmugDZ3QfBxs9
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
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 #360 Finance Committee Mtg - 10/06/20 (audio) |
wbur: "Getting The Band Back Together: How One Marching Band Is Practicing During The Pandemic"
From WBUR we share the following article of interest to Franklin:
"On a blustery Thursday afternoon, 13 students are spread out across the practice marching band field and parking lot at New Bedford High School.
The color guard is off in one corner, practicing some figure eights with bright orange and black flags, while the brass players and drum majors are running through a series of marching drills and rehearsing a new song.
This is only the fourth time this group of students has played together since March, when school buildings closed state-wide due to the coronavirus pandemic. In-person rehearsals are smaller now. This is only about 1/7 of the full Whaler marching band. But most of the kids don't seem to mind.
"The rehearsals were optional but we came here because we all want to do what we love," said trombone player Danny Lopez."
Continue to read the article online
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| wbur: "Getting The Band Back Together: How One Marching Band Is Practicing During The Pandemic" |
Franklin Historical Museum Holiday Ornament Sale: Oct 10, 11, 12
When: October 10th, 11th, and 12th
Where: Historical Museum - 80 West Central Street, Franklin, MA
What Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Please join the Franklin Historical Museum for their first Drive-Up Holiday Ornament Sale!
*This will be a drive-up event, anyone interested in purchasing ornaments will be able to purchase at the Historical Museum without leaving your car!
Shared from the Town of Franklin page
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| Franklin Historical Museum Holiday Ornament Sale: Oct 10, 11, 12 |
Commonwealth Magazine: "Economists offer dire projections for state revenues"
From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:
"STATE TAX REVENUES are likely to tank by between $1.2 and $3.6 billion this year compared to last year, amid significant uncertainty generated by the COVID-19 pandemic and by federal inaction, according to the state’s top revenue official. That represents a drop of as high as 12 percent year over year.
Compared to the amount lawmakers expected to have this year, before the pandemic hit, the drop is even greater – between $2.7 and $5.2 billion less than anticipated, a drop of between 8.9 and 16.8 percent.
The projections by Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder are slightly more pessimistic, but not too far out of line with, projections made by several outside experts, who testified Wednesday during a more than three-hour hearing on state revenues.
The projections of multi-billion–dollar revenue drops come even as revenue for the first three months of this fiscal year has come in stronger than expected. But experts say the steady revenues early in the year were due primarily to federal money – like a temporary expansion of unemployment benefits – that has been drying up."
Continue reading the article online
FHS girls soccer and golf teams top Milford (again)
Via HockomockSports.com we share the fall sports results for Franklin High School.
Boys Soccer = Franklin, 0 @ Milford, 6 – Final
Girls Soccer = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final
Golf = Franklin, 144 @ Milford, 175 – Final
Girls Soccer = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final
Golf = Franklin, 144 @ Milford, 175 – Final
For all the results around the Hockomock League
"awesome team win vs Milford today - goals from riley, anya, erin, stella, and rachel h. assists from clare, anya, izzy, and jamie(2)"
https://twitter.com/fhsgvsoccer/status/1313970980356870144
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| FHS girls soccer and golf teams top Milford (again) |
2020 Hockomock League Field Hockey Preview: FHS Panthers
The high school sports seasons are underway and HockomockSports.com has published their preview for the field hockey teams for the Hockomock League. We share the spotlight on
the FHS team and provide the link to the full listing.
Franklin
2019 Record: 15-3-2
2019 Finish: Reached D1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Michelle Hess
When you look at the talent the Panthers possess on their roster this season, it’s hard not to immediately think what kind of run they could go on in the postseason. Unfortunately, there aren’t any playoffs this season so Franklin’s focus zeroes in on one thing: repeating as Hock champs.
A year removed from going undefeated against league opponents, the Panthers enter the 2020 season as the favorites to take home another Kelley-Rex title. For starters, Franklin has its top three scorers back from last year’s team that scored a Hockomock-best 91 goals. Amanda Lewandowski (20 goals, 10 assists), Stephanie Bell (14 goals, eight assists), and last year’s HockomockSports Underclassman of the Year Kaitlyn Carney (14 goals, eight assists) combine to make the Panthers one of the most lethal teams in the region.
Franklin’s offense even more of a boost with the return of senior captain Sara Carney (who missed last season with an injury) and junior forward Jill Fenerty.
Senior captain Neilee Hess anchors the defensive unit as the starting goalie. Hess’ experience will be vital as Franklin has some new faces on its defensive unit, including Molly Collins, Kendall Jones, and Kate O’Rourke. Freshman midfield Sophia Cuneo could make an impact right away.
“I am extremely proud of my team and how they have adapted to the modifications,” said Franklin head coach Michelle Hess. “They have taken a situation that could have put a damper on their enthusiasm and shared with me that they are just ready to get to work. They have a Hock Title to defend and these modifications are not going to stop them from accomplishing their goal of a Back to Back Kelley-Rex Title!”
For the preview of the rest of the Hockomock League field hockey teams
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| 2020 Hockomock League Field Hockey Preview: FHS Panthers |
Commonwealth Magazine: "Number of high-risk communities doubles"
From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:
"THE NUMBER of Massachusetts communities considered high-risk for COVID-19 nearly doubled over the last week and the state as a whole moved much closer to the high-risk designation.
The state’s weekly breakdown of COVID-19 activity suggested the situation in Lawrence is spinning out of control, as the average daily case rate over the last two weeks rose to a high of 35.2 per 100,000 people. Lawrence has been on the state’s red list of municipalities – those with 8 or more cases per 100,000 people – since the state first began releasing the data in August.
The only community higher this week was Middleton, where the rate hit 58.1 per 100,000 people after an outbreak at the Middleton Jail and House of Correction where 139 inmates and 33 staff members tested positive. North Andover was at 34.5 per 100,000 people in its second week on the red list and Nantucket came in at 23.3 in its fourth week on the list."
Continue reading the article online https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/number-of-high-risk-communities-doubles/
The MA.gov dashboard https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting
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| Number of high-risk communities doubles |
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