Friday, February 26, 2021

Town of Franklin, MA: Community Preservation Committee Meeting - March 2

Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
March 2, 2021 = 5:00 PM
 
Agenda:

1.    Organize: Chair, Vice-Chair, and Clerk
2.    Next Steps & Committee responsibilities
3.    Committee meeting schedule

Recommended Committee Homework & Reading:
1.    Open Space & Recreation Plan
2.    Community Preservation Act Coalition
3.    Master Plan & Master Plan Update
4.    Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Development

5.    South Franklin Congregational Meeting House Report
6.    Historical Museum website and Instagram

7.    Affordable Housing Profile

8.    Most Current Housing Production Plan
 

Full agenda doc and connection info  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-3-2_cpc_agenda.pdf

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - March 2
Community Preservation Committee Meeting - March 2



Did you know that FHS has an archive for their notifications?

If you missed that Tweet, or REGROUP message, there is a place to go back and check to see what it said.  Check this link = 
https://www.franklinps.net/fhs/pages/mass-notifications-archive-date-sent

Did you know that FHS has an archive for their notifications?
Did you know that FHS has an archive for their notifications?


What can reopen in MA beginning Monday, March 1

 

"In the clearest sign yet of confidence that the state is getting a handle on COVID, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a broad set of new reopening orders, including clearing the way for fans at Fenway Park for the Red Sox home opener on April 1. Perhaps not coincidentally, Baker’s headline-grabbing proclamation came less than an hour after he finished testifying at a Beacon Hill oversight hearing, where lawmakers ripped him over the troubled rollout of the state’s vaccine sign-up website.

Starting Monday, Baker said theaters and other performance venues can reopen with 50 percent capacity limits and restaurants will have no overall capacity limits as long they maintain six feet of distance between tables and have parties of no more than six people, who remain for no more than 90 minutes."

Continue reading the article online 
 
Boston Globe coverage of the move to re-open and change restrictions 
(subscription may be required) https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/02/25/metro/baker-outlines-plans-ease-host-covid-19-restrictions-businesses-gatherings-starting-soon-monday/
 
What is authorized to re-open on Monday March 1

Gov Baker's press conference announcing the re-opening steps

"he was at the same time hampering their efforts by taking away their ability to proctor the shot"

 

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER was in the hot seat Thursday morning as the Legislature’s 17-member committee on COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management grilled him over the state’s rollout of vaccines.

Baker followed familiar themes in his remarks, ticking off the state’s fairly strong metrics in administering vaccines and acknowledging a rollout that has been “lumpy and bumpy” at times. But several lawmakers hammered him on the performance of the state website used to find and reserve a booking for a vaccination. The website, which crashed repeatedly last week, held up on Thursday but still yielded a fairly unsatisfactory performance.

“It hasn’t been lumpy and bumpy,” said Sen. Eric Lesser of Longmeadow. “It’s been a failure.”

Continue reading the article online
 
Boston Globe coverage of Gov Baker's appearance at the hearing
(subscription may be required)
 
Coverage on Secretary Sudders' comments: 

And yet another pivot in the distribution plan: 
(subscription may be required)


Thursday, February 25, 2021

FM #470 - Interview with State Rep Jeff Roy - 02/22/21 (audio)

FM #470 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 470 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 
  • Indoor riding to prepare for his 19th PanMass Challenge
  • Thursday night continues COVID-19 modified rehearsal with Ben Gardner’s Boat 
  • Outlook for 2021
  • Pandemic, vaccine, oversight of Gov Baker and pandemic process
  • Committee assignment: Joint Committee on Telecommunication, Utilities, and Energy
  • What bills did you Intro/or re-introduce for this session
Links to Jeff's personal web page as well as his Legislative pages are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 42 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jeff.  Audio file = 
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c7fea725-a210-4022-8eeb-1024c04e576a


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

Rep Roy’s State Legislator profile page which lists the bills he filed for the 192nd Session  https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JNR1 

Rep Roy’s personal page  https://jeffreyroy.com/ 

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

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"

Rep Roy on his tour of UMass Medical in Nov 2019 as part of his visits to all 29 MA Commonwealth public colleges
Rep Roy on his tour of UMass Medical in Nov 2019 as part of his visits to all 29 MA Commonwealth public colleges

Town of Franklin, MA: Health Director, Cathleen Liberty on COVID-19 vaccines

What you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines from Franklin Health Director, Cathleen Liberty. https://t.co/rsKCqaB1GA (audio slide show)
#DoYourPartFranklin #TrustTheFactsGetTheVax  
Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/z7UScvIDW4


Health Director, Cathleen Liberty on COVID-19 vaccines
Health Director, Cathleen Liberty on COVID-19 vaccines

Hockomock Area YMCA Awarded Grant From Dean Bank

The Hockomock Area YMCA has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Dean Bank for the Y’s annual Reach Out Campaign.

“For almost two decades, Dean Bank has helped our YMCA address the ever-changing needs of our shared community through values-based programming and services.  Dean Bank's philanthropic investments over the years, especially through Reach Out,  have enriched the lives of our neighbors through progressive community impact to meet the often urgent needs of those who face life's unforeseen challenges, and I am deeply grateful for their partnership, engagement, and confidence in our YMCA's mission,” states Hockomock Area YMCA CEO Ed Hurley.

The Reach Out Campaign is a volunteer- and community-driven annual fundraising effort serving as the cornerstone of its philanthropic outreach across the 15 communities the Y serves.

The Hockomock Area YMCA has for decades invited Y members, volunteers, neighbors, partners, collaborators, vendors and friends in the community to join in raising funds to provide confidential scholarship assistance, program subsidies, and essential services for those who are facing challenges in their lives.  

The essence of Reach Out and a cornerstone of the Hockomock Y’s mission is that nobody is turned away because of their inability to pay.

Each contribution to this campaign provides confidential scholarships for those who otherwise could not enjoy a Y experience due to financial struggles. This is an opportunity to feel welcomed as part of the YMCA  family and for kids to enjoy summer camps, swim lessons, and out-of-school child care programs.  

Reach Out also subsidizes mission-driven programs, including our Teen Centers, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, and participation in our Teen Center programming and sports, as examples, designed to address the increasing problem of bullying in and outside of school.

Additionally, Reach Out helps make it possible for our YMCA to deliver essential services to our neighbors experiencing hardships, such as food insecurity, emergency child care during extremely challenging times, and backpacks for kids who cannot afford them at the start of a school year.

In 2020, the Reach Out program provided $1.9 million in confidential scholarships and subsidies, 247,439 grab and go meals, and 25,242 bags of groceries, valued at $50 each. 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is extremely grateful for the long-standing relationship with Dean Bank and for its continued generosity for its mission-driven work.  

For more information please contact Katie Moore at KatieM@hockymca.org or 508.643.5265. 

About Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community.  At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

 
Hockomock Area YMCA Awarded Grant From Dean Bank
Hockomock Area YMCA Awarded Grant From Dean Bank

Joint Senate and House #MACOVIDOversight Committee - Feb 25 - 11 AM

MA State Senate (@MA_Senate) tweeted on Wed, Feb 24, 2021:
Tomorrow at 11, the Joint Senate and House #MACOVIDOversight Committee will hold a hearing to examine the Commonwealth's #COVID19 Vaccine Rollout. 
This is the first in a series of oversight hearings the committee will hold on topics related to the pandemic. #mapoli https://t.co/Xc023wKVZT

Join the LiveStream = https://malegislature.gov/Events/SpecialEvents/Detail/374

 

Joint Senate and House #MACOVIDOversight Committee - Feb 25 - 11 AM
Joint Senate and House #MACOVIDOversight Committee - Feb 25 - 11 AM

 


Pantherbook: "Fall II Preview- What’s Different?"

 

"On February 22nd, student athletes will be returning to their cheer, football, volleyball, and winter track seasons after a long wait.

However, MIAA guidelines will be different this season in order to remain safe and socially-distanced.

Indoor facilities such as gyms will only be operating at 40% capacity following the Massachusetts Phase 3, Step 1 guidelines, and spectators at games will be limited to low numbers."
Continue reading the article online
 
Previously published here are the Fall II sports modifications from the MIAA
 
and an update
 
Pantherbook: "Fall II Preview- What’s Different?"
Pantherbook: "Fall II Preview- What’s Different?"

 
The outdoor track and football field have been cleared of snow
The outdoor track and football field have been cleared of snow


Mock Trial Prosecution Team tops Hingham

Pantherbook (@FHSPantherbook) tweeted on Wed, Feb 24, 2021:

Congrats to the Mock Trial Prosecution team which defeated Hingham yesterday 105-96.  
Every performer yesterday earned an exemplary score: Katie Rabovsky, Carrie Rawan, Derek Halet, Aadit Bhatia, Grace Newton, Akash Shetty, Dom Sackley, Anton Sackley, and Ankit Boruah.


State Rep Jeffrey Roy: Vaccine updates on teachers and local sites

"Much has been said about getting students back to school quickly, but it is important that we do so safely. And in that regard, the legislature has been pushing the administration to enhance the safety of the experience by moving teachers to the front of the line on vaccine distribution. And we have called upon the administration to ramp up efforts to distribute vaccines at local distribution sites."
Continue reading Rep Roy's statement (rich with links)

 
a copy of the letter from Rep. Roy and colleagues on the teacher vaccine priority issue
a copy of the letter from Rep. Roy and colleagues on the teacher vaccine priority issue




Hear about "Boston Made" with Alan Earls - virtual meeting Thursday at 2 PM


Hear about "Boston Made" with Alan Earls
Hear about "Boston Made" with Alan Earls


Click below to join "Boston Made" Thursday FEBRUARY, 25 at 2pm
https://zoom.us/j/96071688574?pwd=blYveStuNENTeUFnaHZSU3pDQjRqUT09

Meeting ID: 960 7168 8574      Passcode: 871132
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,96071688574#,,,,*871132# US (New York)
+13017158592,,96071688574#,,,,*871132# US (Washington DC)


--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small


CommonWealth Magazine: "Distancing debate key to school reopenings"

 

"WITH TUESDAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT by state officials that they want to see all elementary grade students back in classrooms five days a week by April, now comes the hard part of the details of how to do it.

Looming large in the challenge of getting students back into classrooms is a term that’s become part of the daily lexicon of pandemic policy debates: social distancing. Call it the elephant in the classroom.

Most public health recommendations have urged people to maintain at least six feet of separation from those not in their household. The federal Centers for Disease Control says six feet should also apply in school settings. But the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in guidelines for the school year released last June, said three feet is adequate.

The state guidelines encourage districts to “aim for six feet of distance between individuals where feasible,” but say maintaining a distance of three feet, in combination with other mitigation efforts, “is informed by evidence and balances the lower risk of COVID-19 transmission and the overarching benefits of in-person school.” The state guidelines note that this approach aligns with recommendations of the World Health Organization, which says one meter (three feet, three inches) of social distancing is adequate to reduce risk of transmitting coronavirus. "

Continue reading the article online
 
Note: Actually while the social distancing is a key component of the debate, the other more important point is ignored by this article: prioritizing teachers for vaccines. Get them vaccinated, and the discussion will change significantly. There should still be some choice for individual families within districts to choose to be remote. 
 

"The Senate now decides how to handle the House’s changes"

 

"HOUSE LAWMAKERS spent over an hour locked in a tense debate Wednesday afternoon on an unsuccessful transparency amendment to the Legislature’s 2021-2022 joint rules before ultimately adopting a rules package to govern interactions between the two branches that strips a few elements of the Senate’s proposed reforms.

The House approved a rules package on a 128-31 vote that would keep a notice requirement for committee hearings at 72 hours, rather than the one week proposed by the Senate; make public only the names of committee members who vote against favorably reporting a bill, instead of providing a complete accounting of how all members vote, as the Senate version would; and remove Senate language which would have mandated that committees share copies of public testimony when asked by members of the public.

Most of the debate Wednesday centered on an amendment  that would have made details of all committee votes public, mandated a one-week notice for committee hearings, and made public testimony on bills available to the public upon request. The House rejected the amendment on a 36-122 vote with nearly all Republicans and eight Democrats voting in favor."
Continue reading the article online

 

Town of Franklin, MA: Reminder on lobby hours at the Municipal building

REMINDER: 
 
Current lobby hours at the Municipal building are as follows:
8:00am - 2:00pm Monday - Thursday
8:00am - 1:00pm Friday

The drive-up window is open regular business hours. Lobby hours are posted on our website homepage  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/current-lobby-hours
 
Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/lEVIRWijjh


Reminder on lobby hours at the Municipal building
Reminder on lobby hours at the Municipal building

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Boston Globe: "Project Envoy supports Franklin restaurants, residents in need"

"Franklin restaurants and local people in need are both getting some community support during the pandemic as a result of a new initiative.

Through the Project Envoy campaign, residents are encouraged to patronize participating local restaurants — either through indoor dining or takeout meals. In turn, the restaurants are donating some of the proceeds from those sales to the Franklin Food Pantry.

A program of the Franklin Interfaith Council’s Food Security Team, Project Envoy began Feb. 1 and will continue through April 30. Organizers said the initiative is intended to provide a boost to local restaurants and to help families who have had difficulty meeting their food needs during COVID-19."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

The March schedule of restaurants has been posted. April will be posted at the end of March.  Visit the Project Envoy page to view/download a copy of the calendar

Boston Globe: "Project Envoy supports Franklin restaurants, residents in need"
Boston Globe: "Project Envoy supports Franklin restaurants, residents in need"


Sofia shares how the Franklin Food Pantry helps her

"Meet Sofia and hear how the Pantry has impacted her life:"

 Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/tSD22y6CV5

Note: Sofia's name and image have been changed to protect her identity.

A PDF copy of Sofia's story: https://t.co/noiYtk717g
You can visit the Food Pantry to make a contribution to help Sofia and more of our neighbors



Sofia shares how the Franklin Food Pantry helps her
Sofia shares how the Franklin Food Pantry helps her


Franklin High School Athletics: Winter Sports Season Summary

FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) tweeted on Tue, Feb 23, 2021:


"Another very successful winter season in the books. All teams had winning records... and 5 Hock Championships: Boys Ice, Girls Basketball (undefeated) Gymnastics (undefeated) Girls Swim (undefeated) Boys Swim (undefeated)!!! Congratulations athletes & coaches! #PantherPride"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1364285642390306822

Winter Sports Season Summary
 Winter Sports Season Summary

Pantherbook: "many students feel that the topic is ignored by the town’s residents"


"For anybody who hasn’t already seen Jame’s Fredrick’s video “A Roundtable Discussion of Racism in Franklin,” it’s definitely worth a watch.

The video documents a discussion organized by Diversity Awareness Club President Ndoumbe Ndoye and Town Council Member Cobi Frongillo, where many FHS students of color met together to share their experiences growing up in predominantly white Franklin. 

Students recounted times when they had been insulted or felt unwelcome in their community because of the color of their skin.

Students have experienced both overt racism, such as use of racial slurs and hate speech, and more casual and ingrained racism."

Learn more about the discussion that raised awareness of racism in Franklin here:
https://t.co/YoT0LceNcy

Direct link to the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XwBOqz_e9Zs

Franklin Public Schools: Policy Sub Committee Meeting - Feb 25

Policy Sub Committee Meeting

Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)  
Thursday, February 25, 2021 - 6:00 PM


Agenda

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may, in fact, be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

I. Electronic Distribution of Approved Policies

1. BEDB - Order of Business

2. Policy Distribution Folder

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A. None

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item


Franklin Public Schools: Policy Sub Committee Meeting - Feb 25
Franklin Public Schools: Policy Sub Committee Meeting - Feb 25