FM #446 School Committee Mtg - P1 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)

FM #445 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 445 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 26, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over two hour meeting into two logical segments:

• ** First ** - covers the opening through the Horace Mann Middle School update (approx 1 hour)
• Second - picks up from the FHS Program of Studies update through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx 67 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Jan 26, 2021. Audio = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HW2G1ZcS

--------------

Quick Recap:

• Update from Horace Mann Middle School on what they are doing and how they are doing in these pandemic days. Exciting to see.
• Update from Franklin High School on program of studies, some changes to class offerings to better follow "Portrait of a Graduate" and meet needs of students.
• Reopening status update, challenges remain with staffing and keeping schools hybrid. Case counts are rising, still working on K-1 improvements but less likely to get them in school with current situation (case counts) and previously expressed concerns.
• Pool testing reviewed, formal application has not yet been made
• School calendar approved for first look at 2021-2022 school year. Additional info and dates (half days/professional development) to be updated in second pass TBD.

 
Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one folder
https://photos.app.goo.gl/78XYK77JhzZUWNxX7
 
Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_1-26-2021.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-meeting-recap-jan-26.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 #446 School Committee Mtg - P1 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)

FM #447 School Committee Mtg - P2 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)

FM #447 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 447 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 26, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over two hour meeting into two logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Horace Mann Middle School update (approx 1 hour)
• ** Second ** - picks up from the FHS Program of Studies update through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx 67 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Jan 26, 2021. Audio = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HB7whP2S

 

--------------

Quick Recap:

• Update from Horace Mann Middle School on what they are doing and how they are doing in these pandemic days. Exciting to see.
• Update from Franklin High School on program of studies, some changes to class offerings to better follow "Portrait of a Graduate" and meet needs of students.
• Reopening status update, challenges remain with staffing and keeping schools hybrid. Case counts are rising, still working on K-1 improvements but less likely to get them in school with current situation (case counts) and previously expressed concerns.
• Pool testing reviewed, formal application has not yet been made
• School calendar approved for first look at 2021-2022 school year. Additional info and dates (half days/professional development) to be updated in second pass TBD.

 
Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one folder
https://photos.app.goo.gl/78XYK77JhzZUWNxX7
 
Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_1-26-2021.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-meeting-recap-jan-26.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 #447 School Committee Mtg - P2 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)

Winter Weather & Emergency Information

Winter Weather & Emergency Information

Hello Franklin,

The forecast over the next few days includes extremely cold temperatures and the potential for snow early next week.  Please take the necessary steps to stay safe and be prepared.  Emergency Management Information is available on our website, as well as this informational flyer with tips on how to prepare for a storm.  

 

Emergency Management Information

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/emergency-management-information

 

How to prepare for a snow storm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/snow_storm_-_larger_1.pdf 

 

Winter Weather & Emergency Information

 

“Four Week Illumination and Sound Experience” - Hatch Shell, Boston

"As is the case with so many of Boston’s beloved destinations, it’s hard not to think about the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade and get a little bummed out. All the celebrations that would normally take place in its giant shadow, like the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectaculars, the BSO performances, and all the free-to-all concerts held there every year, have been canceled. One of the loudest publicly-accessible outdoor spaces in the city has gone quiet, and dark.

But a new month long public art project slated to take over the Hatch Shell this winter will change all that, and in the process, give Bostonians something they have no doubt been craving of late: something cool to do outside.

Beginning later this month, the stage will host what the Esplanade Association is calling a “four week illumination and sound experience.” Called Hatched: Breaking through the silence, it will include laser-projected animations that will fill the 40-foot-tall arch, as well as music that can be played through smartphones and portable speakers.

It debuts on January 22, and viewings will last 15 minutes and run every 20 minutes from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night through February 21. It’s free to all, and the Hatch Shell’s lawn will be open to anyone who wants to see the show up close while keeping a safe distance apart."

Continue reading the article online

https://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/2021/01/04/hatch-shell-illumination-hatched/

 

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/wrtjjLU4lf

 

“Four Week Illumination and Sound Experience” - Hatch Shell, Boston (Rendering via the MF Dynamics)

Franklin's Event Outlook: Jan 29 - Feb 5, 2021

It's cold. Be careful... It's a pandemic. Be careful... The calendar is starting to look a little better, there is hope coming down the road. Hang in their folks!

Saturday, January 30
7:30pm -  Jazz in January: Live-Stream!
 

Sunday, January 31
1:00pm -  Historical Museum (open and free admission)
 

Monday, February 1
First Day of Black History Month
10:00am -  FPL: Dragon Puppet Kits
7:00pm -  Cultural District Partners Mtg
 

Wednesday, February 3
6:30pm -  FAA: Art by Chris Lamb Toubeau
 

Friday, February 5
3:00pm -  FPL: Girls Who Code (Grades 3-5)
4:00pm -  FPL: Girls Who Code! (Grades 6-12) 

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
 

Community Calendar

 

School Committee Meeting Recap - Jan 26, 2021 = HMMS, FHS, homework, and reopening status updates

Quick Recap:

• Update from Horace Mann Middle School on what they are doing and how they are doing in these pandemic days. Exciting to see.
• Update from Franklin High School on program of studies, some changes to class offerings to better follow "Portrait of a Graduate" and meet needs of students.
• Reopening status update, challenges remain with staffing and keeping schools hybrid. Case counts rising, still working on K-1 improvements but less likely to get them in school with current situation (case counts) and previously expressed concerns.
• Pool testing reviewed, formal application has not yet been made
• School calendar approved for first look at 2021-2022 school year. Additional info and dates (half days/professional development) to be updated in second pass TBD.

 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one folder

https://photos.app.goo.gl/78XYK77JhzZUWNxX7 

 

The audio recording of this meeting will be available soon

----

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  #schcom0126

https://twitter.com/hashtag/schcom0126?src=hashtag_click

• Getting ready for the School Committee meeting at 7. Agenda doc and connection info available https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet #schcom0126
• Updates from Horace Mann Middle school, on the FHS program of studies, and the homework policy are scheduled. Oh, and then a reopening update on the agenda. Multiple ways to watch and/or listen #schcom0126
• Meeting opens, Chair Dr. Bergen reads standard announcement #schcom0126 all 7 members present
• Approx 58 participating via Zoom at the open, another 7 via live stream, and unknown #s via Comcast/Verizon. #schcom0126
• A new feature is that each meeting after the student led pledge to open the meeting, they add a statement on their individual school experience. Such hope for our future in these students! #schcom0126 "never stop learning because life never stops teaching"

FHS representatives

• Next up FHS representatives; NHS tutoring now available for students 1:1, Franklin Arts Academy applications now open; #schcom0126 virtual music concert coming; prep underway for graduation exploring options, 26 students admitted to Central Districts for music
• New project for theater for seniors to direct, music and podcast club started at FHS "to be honest"; sports underway, basketball hockey swimming gymnastics. MA DECA on Weds evening, over 100 projects submitted; Mock trial season underway #schcom0126

Superintendent's report

• Next: Superintendent report, new secretary to be reporting on meeting notes; pool testing webinars underway, info gathering, more details forthcoming after another session this Friday. 1100 families responded, 50% yes, additional amount expressed interest #schcom0126
• Over 600 faculty and staff responded, 73% yes. More info coming. Letter on Senator Rausch earmark to Sec Ed, amount to be released. Approach to civics education, 2018 curriculum revised actually runs K-12 not just 8th grade, nonpartisan approach #schcom0126
• Habits of engagement in preparation for additional study in high school. 8th just happens to be the first grade getting it this year. #schcom0126 more on this coming later this spring. PD day, Jan 19, a review of what was done around district, elementary, middle and by subject
• Via tele-health support available from You Inc. Talk to building administrator for access #schcom0126

Horace Mann update

• Horace Mann update - looked to control the things they could control #schcom0126
• https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/hmms_school_highlight_1-26-2021.pdf link provides copy of the presentation doc talked to for this update #schcom0126 photos from pre-COVID times
• #schcom0126 more slides of presentation
• #schcom0126 used landing pages to gather the students at the beginning of the day as well share info
• Starting to live stream the morning announcement #schcom0126
• #schcom0126 sample learning stations
• #schcom0126 thanks to SchComm and to Community for supporting them in this time and environment
• #schcom0126 digital learning does allow for almost immediate feedback for teachers to see questions well answered or those not, and adjust accordingly. Teaching has changed forever
• #schcom0126 more slides from presentation deck
• #schcom0126 all kinds of opportunity to check in on students and determine SEL status. Year book club last year and this, students are finding ways to capture input for the product. Clubs are virtual with one coordinator and students in club from all 3 middle schools
• #schcom0126 important info as well as honest feedback via survey
• #schcom0126
• #schcom0126 last slides
• #schcom0126 issue with the perpetual unknown, used to have a bag of tricks to pull from, hard to do so now; collaboration high and needed more so now than ever before. BTW participation up to 87 via zoom, SchComm all remote and no 1 seems to be in Chambers tonight

FHS 

• Next up FHS, Mr Hanna #schcom0126 presentation doc linked to here https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fhs_program_of_studies_2021_-_2022_presentation.pdf
• #schcom0126 2nd doc to be used tonight for FHS portion of meeting https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/prog-studies-21-22 idea of 'owned' learning
• #schcom0126 slides from presentation
• #schcom0126 reselected from 2 yrs of world history to produce a single year hopefully with better effect.
• #schcom0126 schools have changed dramatically, look through the course offerings to see the variety.

Homework

• Next up an update on homework, via Dr Edwards #schcom0126 changed tone and tenor of the policy, the practice and guidelines were also worked to implement. Doc referenced can be found here https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/school_committee-homework_1_26_21.pdf
• Homework has changed this year with the blending and blurring of the lines between school work when much of it is done at home. #schcom0126 wanted to avoid a survey, planning for sessions next year with students in person
• Reminder for Feb and spring vacation for homework free vacation with exception for AP level classes. #schcom0126 moving more into the grading reform efforts to get consistency across district
• #schcom0126 next up, school calendar for approval in 2 phases, first up beginning, ending etc half days and further refinements coming later; motion to approve, second, passes via roll call 7-0 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_21-22_school_calendar.pdf

Reopening status

• #schcom0126 next up reopening https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-12221 update coverage remains an issue with teacher exposure or quarantine via family or school situation, do we have enough to safely open a school. Decide case by case, by school
• #schcom0126 clarification on tech support, who to seek for what support? Digital learning integration or others. Phase 2 of vaccination and development of teachers moved down in the priority level, stay tuned for updates; more info on pool testing coming, likely post Feb break
• FPS hasn't formally applied at this time. #schcom0126 DPH is confident with test and results from it, reiterate out of state travel requirements, testing required. Internet problems today was a Verizon issue, separately line upgrade to 10GB is complete
• Still working on K-1 area, focusing on supporting families. Did identify some high needs students for 4 days, case counts increasing, not seeming 2 be likely a practical thing 2 do, lots of concerns about staffing the building, would likely be more unstable with more in building
• SchComm member comment on educators bumped down while push continues to get students in school with numbers rising. Is there something we can do as a district? #schcom0126 what is the extent that teachers are feeling unsafe, what, where, is there something #s
• Can the district do something to help the teachers with the stress if scheduling for the vaccines. #schcom0126 it is shared across the Commonwealth, could do a letter, urging a prioritization, happy to draft on behalf of FPS and SchComm
• #schcom0126 consideration for virtual learning academy in the fall for immuno compromised or for other medical reasons; with uncertainty of vaccine for youth still open, yes, part of thought process. Suggestion for SchComm to do separate letter

Information matters

• Moving along to information matters; subcommittee meetings scheduled, DTFA now meeting weekly, Stokes reads prepared summary of status. Working on recommendation or multiple, two meetings before next update, may have recommendations #schcom0126
• FEF fund raising date May 4, Project Envoy starts Feb 1 to help restaurants and to help food challenged neighbors. Flyer out today on free classes from Y #schcom0126 New business, pool testing update next time
• Consent agenda, motion for items as proposed, second, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom0126 Motion to enter executive session not to return to the open meeting, second, passes via roll call 7-0 That's all for tonight, catch you all next time!

 

Key items on the School Committee agenda 

II. Guests/Presentations
A.    HMMS School Highlight -- Ms. Rebecca Motte and Mr. Craig Williams

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/hmms_school_highlight_1-26-2021.pdf

 
B.    FHS Program of Study Update – Josh Hanna, Principal FHS

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/fhs-presentation
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/prog-studies-21-22

 

C.    Homework & Homework Policy – Dr. Joyce Edwards

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/homework-presentation-12621
 

III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    2021-2022 School Calendar
I recommend approval of the 2021-2022 School Calendar as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-21-22-calendar

 

IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    Reopening Status Update (January 22, 2021)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-12221

Meeting packet folder containing the doc released for this agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

 

School Committee Meeting Recap - Jan 26, 2021 = HMMS, FHS, homework, and reopening status updates

Franklin Art Association: February Monthly Meeting - Feb 3

The next monthly Franklin Art Association meeting will take place on February 3 at 6:30 pm, as usual, via Zoom.  Following an informal virtual social gathering from 6:30-7:00, the formal program will be devoted to a viewing of a Franklin TV Cable retrospective on the work of painter Christine Toubeau.  Toubeau, a member of the Franklin Art Association, is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Art and earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2004.  She has worked as a fashion illustrator, a free-lance graphic illustrator, an art teacher at Tri-County’s Graphic Arts Shop as well as at the Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls, and for several years had her own wall mural painting business here in Franklin.  

Toubeau’s original, acrylic, paintings deal with the theme of the interaction of humans with futuristic technology.  She currently has an exhibit of her acrylic paintings on view at the First Universalist Society Church in Franklin.  Franklin TV cameraman Chris Flynn, in collaboration with Toubeau, combined footage of that exhibit with additional images taken from her larger body of work, including paintings featured in a 2010 solo art show at UMass entitled “The Robot Next Door” to produce the film to be shown at the FAA meeting.  During the show, she will also illustrate her approach to working with large, four foot canvases as well as a painting with acrylics demonstration from her home studio.  

The meeting is free of charge and open to all.  Anyone wishing to attend should email the FAA Corresponding secretary at faasecretary@gmail.com, and ask to be added to the contact list for the meeting.  A link to the meeting will be sent out to all attendees several days before the meeting.

Franklin Art Association: February Monthly Meeting - Feb 3

FHS girls basketball continue win streak, boys hockey top Mansfield 7-1

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:

** Boys Basketball = Mansfield, 51 @ Franklin, 44 – Final 

– Mansfield set the tone defensively in the first quarter and then held off a late surge from Franklin to earn a season sweep over the Panthers. The Hornets limited the hosts to four points in the first quarter and carried a 25-14 lead into halftime. Mansfield’s advantage grew to 37-25 going into the final frame before the Panthers got going and clawed back into it, cutting the lead down to 47-42 with under two minutes to go but Mansfield held on for the win. Senior Matt Boen had a team-high 16 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, Jack Colby added 11 points and nine rebounds, Matt Hyland had nine points and six boards, and Brendan Foley chipped in with eight points and 10 rebounds.

** Girls Basketball = Franklin, 63 @ Mansfield, 47 – Final 

– Franklin jumped out to a 15-3 lead after one quarter and never allowed the Hornets to climb back into the game to stay perfect on the season. Olivia Quinn was the leading scorer for the Panthers for the eighth time in eight games, finishing with 20 points. Elizabeth Wilson had a season-high 16 in the win. Ashley Santos (14 points) and Kayla Vine (11) both hit double digits for the Hornets.

** Boys Hockey = Mansfield, 1 @ Franklin, 7 – Final 

– Franklin exploded for six goals in the second half to skate away with a big win over Mansfield. The Hornets opened the scoring but Justin Abely leveled the scoring on a power play chance with Dylan Marchand and Declan Lovett recording assists. In the second half, Dom Lampasona scored a pair of goals while JT Dwyer, Ben Jarosz, Adam Quinn, and Marchand scored once. Lovett, Marchand, Ryan Sicchio, and Joe LeBlanc all finished with two assists in the win while Gary Mandia made 15 saves in net. 

For other results around the Hockomock League 

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-28-21/

 

Hard Hat tonight to #8 Dominic Lampasona 2 goals and an assist in tonight’s 7-1 win.   100% all night!  Great game Dom!

Do you drink bottled water?

"For years, the debate has raged on: which is better, bottled water, or tap?

Despite its ever-growing popularity in the US, bottled water is atrocious for the environment. To quote Harvard University’s Office for Sustainability, “The entire life cycle of bottled water uses fossil fuels, contributes to global warming, and causes pollution.”

Although water bottles are recyclable, Americans throw away about 80% of the bottles they use – and, by some estimates, Americans use 1,500 plastic bottles of water every second. Plastic bottles contribute immensely to global environmental crises, in part due to the fact that they disintegrate into microplastics, the presence of which are so ubiquitous researchers recently discovered them in the placentas of unborn babies. Bottled water takes 2,000 times the energy to produce and ship than its tap equivalent. The extraction and manufacturing processes used by bottled water corporations can also have negative environmental and economic effects, and amount to the privatization and commodification of a limited and invaluable resource to which all should have a universal right."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jan/28/do-you-drink-bottled-water-read-this

Franklin Cultural District Meeting - Monday February 1 - 7:00 PM

Dear Cultural District Partners,

On Monday evening, February 1st the Franklin Cultural District Committee will be meeting. The focus of this meeting will be the "Recovery and Rebuilding Grant" for the Massachusetts Cultural Districts. 

This grant is a wonderful opportunity for the Franklin's Cultural District (FCD) Partners to work together to encourage interest and engagement in culture and the arts as well as economic development in the FCD. 

Below you will find the Zoom link for this meeting. 

____________________________________________________________________________

The Cultural District Committee is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Cultural District Partners Meeting

February 1, 2021 7:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82286340536

Meeting ID: 822 8634 0536

One tap mobile

+19292056099,,82286340536# US (New York)

Dial by your location

        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 822 8634 0536

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcM9DGAxS

________________________________________________________________________________________

We hope that you will all join us for this discussion.  

Regards,

Nancy Schoen

Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee

nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com

Franklin Cultural District Meeting - Monday February 1 - 7:00 PM

Watch "Life Is A Walking || Native American Wisdom" on YouTube

"Life is a walking. At any time in your life you have the power to turn forward." -Good Buffalo Eagle, THE SEVEN PATHS

Anasazi Foundation is a nonprofit 501©(3) wilderness therapy program headquartered in Mesa, Arizona. Anasazi Foundation gives young people an opportunity, through a primitive living experience and a philosophy that invites healing at the hands of nature, to effect a change of heart--a change in one's whole way of walking in the world."

 

Direct YouTube link: https://youtu.be/ZQYPlEoU9ko

 

CommonWealth Magazine: "State’s COVID-19 numbers trending down" and so goes Franklin - trending down!

 

"THE NUMBER of communities at high-risk for COVID-19 dropped 13.5 percent on Thursday and the state as a whole saw its numbers take a dive, according to the state’s weekly report.

The number of high-risk communities, identified as red on the state’s color-coded map, fell from 222 last week to 192 this week. The number of communities with more than 100 cases per 100,000 people over the last two weeks plunged from 29 to 9."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/states-covid-19-numbers-trending-down/

 

Franklin's COVID-19 dashboard  https://www.canva.com/design/DAERJvYx-CA/RDnuYIFlWB8rUKQrGQlX0Q/view

 

Weekly case count report (not updated since 1/12/21)

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/covid-19_case_counts_22.pdf

 

We are making progress; from a high positivity of 7.7, down to 6.7 last week and 5.5 this week. That is good! 

 

down to 6.7 last week and to 5.5 this week. That is good!

 

Vaccine call center to be set up; Gov Baker press conf link on small grant awards

 

"AMID GROWING frustration with the state’s process for arranging COVID-19 vaccination appointments, Gov. Charlie Baker announced Thursday that his administration intends to set up a call center next week for those who need additional help.

On Wednesday, people 75 and over who are not living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities started making appointments for vaccinations. Baker said 45,000 appointments were made over the last two days but the demand far outpaced supply. An estimated 500,000 people over 75 are eligible to obtain the two-dose vaccination, but he said the state has been receiving only 80,000 doses a week, a number bumping up to 100,000 next week."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-setting-up-vaccine-call-center/

Maura Healey (@MassAGO):

"First, it was unemployment. The Department of Unemployment had no live call center.
Then, it was workplace safety.
After that, evictions. No system.
We've tried to help those frustrated constituents all year. The vaccine call center should have happened yesterday. "

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassAGO/status/1354882824109752329

Gov Baker Press Conf Link - https://youtu.be/z0IpZCRvFME

Press Release on Small Business Grants

https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-awards-over-45-million-in-grants-to-1100-new-small-businesses

"highlighted cuts in youth jobs programs, at-risk youth programs, and adult basic education"

 

"When Gov. Charlie Baker made his $45.6 billion budget proposal Wednesday, he highlighted the things he is funding: education, economic recovery, mental health services, and local aid.

Left unsaid was the other story the numbers tell: With non-MassHealth spending increasing by just 1 percent – and an increase in education spending and COVID-recovery-related expenses – most line items will be level funded or cut. According to an analysis by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Baker’s budget cuts or eliminates 243 items, level funds 399, and increases funding for 126."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/here-is-what-bakers-budget-cut-2/

 

MA Taxpayers Foundation report

https://www.masstaxpayers.org/governor-bakers-fy-2022-budget-plan?term_node_tid_depth=All

 

Legislature Passes Landmark Climate Change Bill

The Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate reaffirmed its commitment today to addressing the climate crisis facing our Commonwealth by passing legislation that overhauls our state’s climate laws, drives down greenhouse gas emissions, creates clean energy jobs, and protects environmental justice communities.

The passage of An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy (S.9), comes after a joint commitment from Senate President Karen E. Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano, as well as last session’s House and Senate Chairs of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy, Senator Michael Barrett and Representative Thomas Golden, to refile the legislation following a gubernatorial veto last session.

“This legislation outlines a clear roadmap to address our immediate climate crisis,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Time is of the essence and we could not let a delay hamper our efforts to protect future generations. The necessary tools included in this legislation will soon lead to lower emissions, a thriving green economy, and cleaner air and water for all. I want to thank my legislative partner, House Speaker Mariano for his collaboration, Senator Barrett and Representative Golden for their steadfast support, and the residents of Massachusetts for their support in this endeavor.”

“The House and Senate again acted to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, lead on clean energy, and protect environmental justice communities,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Senate President Spilka for her commitment to joining the House in responding immediately to Governor Baker’s veto of this important legislation. I am also grateful for the work and leadership of Chairman Golden, and for my colleagues in the House for acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.”

“The most recent numbers tell us Massachusetts is backsliding in terms of reducing emissions,” said Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. “This bill is our chance to get back on track and stay there. It’s ambitious but balanced, and the most important piece of climate legislation to come before us since 2008. Tip of the hat to President Spilka and Speaker Mariano for putting us back to work on climate immediately. Because of them, the legislation’s odds of ultimate success are excellent.”

“If not for the initiative and resolve of Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka, the Next-Generation Roadmap bill would not have been before the Legislature in the first month of the 2021 - 2022 session,” said Representative Thomas A. Golden, Jr. (D-Lowell), Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. “I am beyond proud to have once again voted with my colleagues on this path-breaking legislation and I look forward to continued collaboration to make it law and propel the Commonwealth towards its clean energy future.”
 
The bill sets a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions limit, as well as statewide limits every five years; increases the requirements for offshore wind energy procurement bringing the statewide total authorization to 5,600 megawatts; requires emission reduction goals for MassSave, the state’s energy efficiency program; and, for the first time, establishes the criteria in statute that define environmental justice populations. The legislation also increases support for clean energy workforce development programs including those targeting low-income communities, and improves gas pipeline safety.

The legislation includes, among other items, the following provisions.

•    Sets a statewide net-zero limit on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and mandates emissions limits every five years, as well as limits for specific sectors of the economy, including transportation and buildings.
•    Codifies environmental justice provisions into Massachusetts law, defining environmental justice populations and providing new tools and protections for affected neighborhoods.
•    Requires an additional 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind, building on previous legislation action and increases the total authorization to 5,600 megawatts in the Commonwealth.
•    Directs the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), the regulator of the state's electric and natural gas utilities, to balance priorities going forward: system safety, system security, reliability, affordability, equity, and, significantly, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
•    Sets appliance energy efficiency standards for a variety of common appliances including plumbing, faucets, computers, and commercial appliances.
•    Adopts several measures aimed at improves gas pipeline safety, including increased fines for safety violations and regulations related to training and certifying utility contractors.
•    Increases the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by 3 percent each year from 2025 – 2029, resulting in 40 percent renewable energy by 2030.
•    Establishes an opt-in municipal net-zero energy stretch code, including a definition of “net-zero building.”
•    Prioritizes equitable access to the state’s solar programs by low-income communities
•    Establishes $12 million in annual funding for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center in order to create a pathway to the clean energy industry for environmental justice populations and minority-owned and women- owned businesses.
•    Provides solar incentives for businesses by exempting them from the net metering cap to allow them to install solar systems on their premises to help offset their electricity use and save money.
•    Requires utilities to include an explicit value for greenhouse gas reductions when they calculate the cost- effectiveness of an offering of MassSave.
•    Creates a first-time greenhouse gas emissions standard for municipal lighting plants that requires them to purchase 50 percent non-emitting electricity by 2030 and “net-zero” by 2050.
•    Sets benchmarks for the adoption of clean energy technologies including electric vehicles, charging stations, solar technology, energy storage, heat pumps and anaerobic digestors.

The bill is now with the governor. 

Link to the legislation text  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S9

CommonWealth Magazine has this coverage:

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/environment/lets-try-this-climate-change-bill-again/

 

Boston GLobe coverage:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/28/metro/defiance-governor-baker-legislature-returns-climate-bill-he-vetoed/