Saturday, February 27, 2021

CDC gets to ventilation (finally)


"The CDC has posted new recommendations on the importance of good ventilation in preventing coronavirus spread in schools and daycares. Its top recommendation: Open a window."
 
Continue reading the article by CNN:  https://t.co/3KWU65kxhK
 
Go directly to the CDC guidance page

VIRTUAL Veterans coffee Social - Mar 3

March 2021 VIRTUAL Veterans Coffee Social
Join Us for Coffee & Conversation!

Hello Veterans!

March arrives next week and it's anyone's guess if it will "come in like a lion and go out like a lamb." With the unpredictability of the weather these days, we'll have to just wait and see.

Did you know that in March we observe several significant U.S. military dates that honor our veterans and those currently serving?

  • March 3 - Navy Reserves Birthday
  • March 4 - National Hug a GI Day (GI no longer refers to just those who serve in the Army.)
  • March 5 - Navy Seebee Birthday
  • March 15 - American Legion Birthday
  • March 25 - National Medal of Honor Day
  • March 29 - Vietnam Veterans Day or Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day 

In addition to observing the Navy Reserves 106th Birthday on March 3, we will be hosting our 11th monthly VIRTUAL Coffee Social that day! We look forward to the day when we are all vaccinated and the Senior Center reopens so we can resume our in-person Socials. In the meantime…

Please join us on Wednesday, March 3 at 10:00 hours for conversation and updates. As always, all veterans are welcome so feel free to pass this invitation along to others who may not be on our email list.

If you have not participated in a Zoom call yet, you'll need to download the Zoom app on your device before joining us.

Here is the log-in information for the March 3, 2021 meeting only:

Call in number: 1-929-205-6099
Enter Meeting ID: 865 9282 6849 then Press #

For more information, contact the Veterans' Services Office at: (508) 613-1315.

We look forward to connecting with you at the March VIRTUAL Coffee Social!

Shared from the Town of Franklin  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/march-2021-virtual-coffee-social


VIRTUAL Veterans coffee Social - Mar 3
VIRTUAL Veterans coffee Social - Mar 3

Digital Learning Integrationist Team: Q&A session - Mar 3

Our Digital Learning Integrationist team is ready to help! Join their Q&A session next week



Digital Learning Integrationist Team: Q&A session - Mar 3
Digital Learning Integrationist Team: Q&A session - Mar 3


The Lancet: "immune evasion, a virological game changer"

"Populations have so far been relatively complacent, but their doubts and distrust are visible in protest movements in several countries. The impact of general confinement on entire economies has been devastating, with worse still to come in levels of unemployment and national debt. Social and health (including mental health) consequences are also colossal, in particular for the younger generations, despite them being at low risk in terms of morbidity and mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

To best ensure the success of mass vaccination—whatever its hoped-for impact on transmission—and to slow the emergence of new variants, while avoiding general confinement, governments need to integrate and apply available measures in a way that is much more targeted to different generational groups. Different age groups are not affected similarly by the virus; from March to June, 2020, 96% of additional deaths related to COVID-19 in Europe occurred in patients aged older than 70 years.

Crucially, the new approach should be based on a social contract that is clear and transparent, rooted in available data, and applied with precision to its range of generational targets. Under this social contract, younger generations could accept the constraint of prevention measures (e.g., masks, physical distancing) on the condition that the older and more vulnerable groups adopt not only these measures, but also more specific steps (eg, voluntary self-isolation according to vulnerability criteria) to reduce their risk of infection. Measures to encourage adherence of vulnerable groups to specific measures must be promoted consistently and enforced fairly. Implementation of such an approach must be done sensitively and in conjunction with the deployment of vaccination across the various population targets, including all generations of society."

Continue reading the article online 

50+ Job Seekers Group - March Special Events

"As a follower of Stephen Melanson, I highly recommend you register for his talk.

Have a great weekend, all!"   Ed Lawrence

Hello 50+ Job Seeker!
 
March is right around the corner – and so is Spring! We have another exciting line-up of Special Events, Session #5 and #6 of our Workshop Series and the follow-up G2G Sessions created just for you!
 
First - you don't want to miss two very Special Events in March:
 
Thurs, March 11th: 10-1130am: Simplicity- a Unique Tool for Job Seekers- Featuring Guest Speaker Stephen Melanson

Research shows that 'Simplicity' works! In a business environment that seems to reward complexity and waste, the proper application of 'Simplicity' leads to confidence, improved focus, and faster results.

Job Seekers have a difficult path these days. Not only do you need to capture the attention of the right people, but once you do, you need to differentiate yourself from your competition.

Our guest speaker, Stephen Melanson, featured on Forbes.com, is a management consultant, trainer and Verbal Branding expert. He will show you how applying his novel 'Simplicity' and 'Verbal Branding' strategies are your solution to job search results! 



**Advanced Registration for this Special Event is Required**
Thurs, Mar 25th: 10-1130am: What Now? Long Term Stress Management Featuring Guest Speaker: Dr. William Sharp
 
One year into a pandemic and we intimately know about stress and loss. So you might ask: What now? What can we do about stress? How is it managed physically, intellectually, and emotionally? What has worked for you and what has not?Are there ways to find pleasure in a pandemic world?

Come and share your experiences as our guest speaker, Dr William Sharp, Psychoanalyst, guides us through ways to identify and manage the long-term stress created by this "new normal" we find ourselves living in.

 
**Advanced Registration for this Special Event is Required**
Flyers for both of these special events are attached.
Feel free to share with your network!
 
REMINDERS: Our 50+ Interactive Workshop Series schedule in March is:
Session #4: Resume Part I: Mon Mar 1st at 630pm.
Session #5: Resume Part II:Tues Mar 9-10am; Fri Mar 12th-1pm; Mon Mar 15-630p
Session #6: LinkedIn Profile: Tues Mar 23rd-10am; Fri Mar 26th -1pm; Mon Apr 5th-630
 
Embrace our motto- Give to Get [G2G]! The March G2G Networking Sessions will be held on Tues March 2nd and Mar 16th at 10am. These sessions focus on networking and a recap of materials covered in prior workshops. It's a great opportunity to get homework help; Q&A with your Group Leaders; collaborate and network with your peers in breakout rooms.
 
And, we will be randomly selecting 4 job seekers to receive a free, 20-minute 1-1 Speed Coaching session with one of your Group Leader!
For information, contact Susan Drevitch Kelly, Founder/Director
50+ Job Seekers Networking Group
EM: susan@sdkelly.com  Phone: 781-378-0528 [O]


Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging | 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 306, Easthampton, MA 01027

Sent by susan@sdkelly.com powered by
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_._,_._,_

"Things are tenuous. Now is not the time to relax restrictions."

"Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sounded the alarm Friday over what she described as potentially stalling progress in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, noting that fast-spreading variants of the virus are becoming more prevalent in the United States.

Speaking at a White House briefing on Friday, Walensky said the stall threatens to erase progress the US has made in recent weeks in decreasing cases and hospitalizations, even as the rollout of lifesaving vaccines ramps up.

Walensky said the number of new cases has been increasing in the past three days, compared with the prior week. She also shared new estimates that suggest the more-transmissible U.K. coronavirus variant now makes up about 10 percent of US cases."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Friday, February 26, 2021

FM #471 - School Committee Meeting - 02/23/21 - P1 of 3 (audio)

FM #471 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 471 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Feb 23, 2021. 

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

I’ve split the just over two hour and fifty minute meeting into three logical segments:

  • *** First segment ***  covers the opening through the JF Kennedy presentation (approx. 1 hour 9 minutes)
  • Second - Presentation - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Health Director Cathleen Liberty, Fire Chief Jim McLaughlin covering the COVID-19 vaccine status update (approx. 43 mins)
  • Third - from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Facilities Director Mike D’Angelo on the UVGI filters installation update through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 58 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 posted to the meeting folder)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Feb 23, 2021

Audio file =  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a6a10c1d-f815-4072-aa92-1d28f7867611


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


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

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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 #471 - School Committee Meeting - 02/23/21 - P1 of 3 (audio)
FM #471 - School Committee Meeting - 02/23/21 - P1 of 3 (audio)

FM #472 - School Committee Meeting - 02/23/21 - P2 of 3 (audio)

 FM #472 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 472 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Feb 23, 2021. 

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

I’ve split the just over two hour and fifty minute meeting into three logical segments:

  • First -  covers the opening through the JF Kennedy presentation (approx. 1 hour 9 minutes)
  • *** Second segment *** Presentation - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Health Director Cathleen Liberty, Fire Chief Jim McLaughlin covering the COVID-19 vaccine status update (approx. 43 mins)
  • Third - from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Facilities Director Mike D’Angelo on the UVGI filters installation update through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 58 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 posted to the meeting folder)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Feb 23, 2021

Audio file =  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f7c6e24c-08ae-4475-9339-50106de96a08

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


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

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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" 


Fire Chief Jim McLaughlin updates on the vaccine readiness
Fire Chief Jim McLaughlin updates on the vaccine readiness


FM #473 - School Committee Meeting - 02/23/21 - P3 of 3 (audio)

 FM #473 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 473 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Feb 23, 2021. 

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

I’ve split the just over two hour and fifty minute meeting into three logical segments:

  • First -  covers the opening through the JF Kennedy presentation (approx. 1 hour 9 minutes)
  • Second - Presentation - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Health Director Cathleen Liberty, Fire Chief Jim McLaughlin covering the COVID-19 vaccine status update (approx. 43 mins)
  • *** Third segment *** from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Facilities Director Mike D’Angelo on the UVGI filters installation update through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 58 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 posted to the meeting folder)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Feb 23, 2021

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4ccffea8-7ae4-428a-9407-5b0b6099a97d


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


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

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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 #473 - School Committee Meeting - 02/23/21 - P3 of 3 (audio)
FM #473 - School Committee Meeting - 02/23/21 - P3 of 3 (audio)


Franklin's Event Outlook: Feb 26 - Mar 4, 2021

The last February weekend (Yay!). Storywalk at DelCarte continues. The Winter Farmers Market on Saturday and LiveARTS concert on Sunday are the key highlights.

 
Friday, February 26
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation

Saturday, February 27
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
10:00am = Winter Farmers Market

Sunday, February 28
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
1:00pm = Historical Museum (open and free admission)
3:00pm = LiveARTS: Amy Porter, Flute

Monday, March 1
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
First Day of Women's History Month

Tuesday, March 2
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
6:30pm = School Committee Legislative Forum

Wednesday, March 3
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
7:30pm =  Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!

Thursday, March 4
 February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
7:00pm = 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26
 
Community Calendar
Community Calendar


Finance Committee meeting recap - Feb 24, 2021 - ambulance rates, fire truck life cycle; debt overview

Quick Recap:
  • Quick overview of the ambulance rates and rationale behind them from Chief McLaughlin
  • Overview of the recent truck purchase process and the life cycle of trucks on the front line, in reserve and eventual disposition as surplus
  • Great overview of the debt and borrowing status for Franklin, heard previously at the Town Council meeting but great info on exclusions and non-excluded debt and how it is fiscally planned for and managed; the Town has a great credit rating which confirms the overall fiscal prudence shown by the Town
  • Discussion on future topics including adding two sessions to the budget hearing cycle (now four meetings instead of two)
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album   https://photos.app.goo.gl/XN9xZuqRLw5vtcY88
 
----
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  #fincom0224


  • Real time reporting underway for the Finance Committee meeting #fincom0224 agenda doc linked here has the connection info https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/fincom_agenda_02-24-21_updated.pdf
  • Fire Chief McLaughlin talks to the proposed ambulance rate increases up for second approval at Town Council meeting next week #fincom0224
  • Majority of transportation is ALS1, second BLS and least used is ALS2. Have talked with a company about their frequency of usage. Trying to avoid overuse and making sure it is an appropriate use. 87-88% is about norm for collection rates #fincom0224
  • BLS is basic life support, ALS1 medication, cardiac monitor; ALS2 is a more critical level of service... #fincom0224 billing and allowable rates set outside via Medicare etc. We stay within allowable.
  • The two trucks are from Greenwood in N Attleboro, to offset the service costs of two trucks in reserve to get them inspected. These new ones are coming at a great deal for us, great discount and good value. #fincom0224 the trucks will also enable ISO 1 level rating ...
  • If you recall, they had reached level 2 last year. 15 in frontline and 5-7 years in reserve is a good ballpark lifecycle. Q is the rusted rail unique to Pierce. They rectified that in 2018 but that doesn't help this one. #fincom0224 ISO 1 will enable to save business ...
  • Could be up to 3.5% savings going up the to level 1 for the businesses insurance rates. #fincom0224 moving to the debt and borrowing presentation (also in the doc link shared earlier)
  • Kerri Bertone presenting #fincom0224
  • Most recent interest rate 1.33% a good sign of our high rating and great fiscal management #fincom0224 non-excluded debt (like the Library, Senior Center, etc. ) Vs. excluded debt mostly school buildings (FHS)
  • Some of the 15M authorization will not ever be used. Example, the windows for the Municipal bldg was est at 1.3m and bid came in at about 500k, so we'll use free cash rather than borrow. Chrome books were also part of above but those were covered via the COVID funds #fincom0224
  • Would use lease purchase if a benefit but there is a middle man and we don't always get the best price via going directly to the finance. We are set up to borrow for our benefit. #fincom0224 worthy discussion on the current 2.2% vs policy of 3.5% and thought behind it
  • Police station is likely to be a debt exclusion. Will use bans to out together some of the projects to bond as a package. Saves us the issuance cost and with good rates gets us the lowest cost benefit #fincom0224 what will it take to get to AAA?
  • A regular discussion with the bonders, it is less but a factor of the marker place. #fincom0224 interesting story on Hudson and net interest and DOR changed rules because of it. Refunding is the resident equivalent of refinancing a mortgage, our rates are so low we won't...
  • see that for some time, interest if at 6% would make sense to reduced to 1 or 2 ... If we are already at 1 or 2 but how low can you go. #fincom0224 Stabilization funds update - 10 year history of new growth coming in the next meeting
  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen updating a review of the comparable stabilization funds #fincom0224 currently $8m in OPEB fund. Some Communities do stick out from the others. Natick has a plan for a fund to cover for a 3 yr downturn based upon a % of their state aid
  • Would be a good discussion point for an overall planning point. Ultimately how were we able to manage? We did put something aside when it was good, key priorities. #fincom0224 need to be fiscally prudent.
  • Discussion on budget hearings to be spread over four nights, worked well last time; #fincom0224 capital plan? had held off due to other items in the mix, less free cash overall, snow/ice eating into free cash with weather this year. General operations metrics, etc.
  • #fincom0224 April 4 nights would be budget hearings, OPEB report in April, stormwater coming in budget, facility coming, UGVI at FHS is the only public school with that service; Motion to adjourn, second, passes 8-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

Finance Committee meeting recap - Feb 24, 2021 - ambulance rates, fire truck life cycle; debt overview
Finance Committee meeting recap - Feb 24, 2021 - ambulance rates, fire truck life cycle; debt overview

Town of Franklin: Update on the State of Massachusetts Reopening Process

Update on the State of Massachusetts Reopening Process
An Update on the State of Massachusetts
Reopening Process
NEW UPDATES ON FEBRUARY 25, 2021: 

Thursday at 1:00 PM, Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, and Secretary Kennealy made several announcements pertaining to the state's reopening process and sector-specific guidance. These include:

Phase 3, Step 2: 

Effective March 1st, the Commonwealth will move forward into Phase 3, Step 2. This will reopen:
  • Indoor performance venues such as concert halls, theaters, and other indoor performance spaces
  • Open at 50% capacity with 500 person max
  • Indoor recreational activities with greater potential for contact: laser tag, roller skating, trampolines, obstacle courses
  • Open at 50% capacity

Updated Capacity Limits: 
Effective March 1st the following industries will increase to 50% capacity. Employees will be exempt from capacity restrictions in all of these industries:
  • Arcades & Other Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Businesses
  • Close Contact Personal Services
  • Driving and Flight Schools
  • Fitness Centers and Health Clubs
  • Golf Facilities (indoor)
  • Libraries
  • Operators of Lodging (common spaces)
  • Museums, Cultural & Historic Facilities, Guided Tours
  • Office Spaces
  • Places of Worship
  • Sectors not Otherwise Addressed
  • Theaters and Performance Venues
  • Relevant EEA Industries – Youth sports spectators etc.

The following industries remain unaffected by capacity limits:
  •  Drive-in movie theaters
  •  Construction
  •  Laboratories
  •  Manufacturing

Additional Guidance Changes:

Effective March 1st, Restaurants will no longer be subject to a % seated capacity limit and their capacity is limited only by the requirement of 6 feet between tables
  •  Musical performances allowed in restaurants (with appropriate distancing)
  •  90-minute time limit on tables stays in place
  •  Limit of no more than 6 per table stays in place
  •  Food courts remain closed

Effective March 1st, Fitting rooms may open in all retail businesses

Gatherings Limit: 
Effective March 22nd, subject to public health data, the gatherings limit will increase for event venues and public settings, but will stay the same in private settings:
  • Event Venues and Public Settings:
  • 100 indoor
  • 150 outdoor
  • Private Settings (such as private residences):
  • 10 indoors
  • 25 outdoors

Phase 4, Step 1: 

Effective March 22nd, subject to public health data, the Commonwealth will move into Phase 4, Step 1:
  • Indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas, and ballparks will reopen with a 12% capacity limit
  •  A large venue is defined as having a capacity of 5,000 or more
  •  Venues with capacity under 5,000 are subject to the Indoor and Outdoor Performance Venue guidance
  • Large venues will be required to submit a safety plan to the Department of Public Health
  • Overnight Camps will be allowed to open for Summer 2021
  • Exhibition and Convention Halls may reopen, subject to gathering limits and event rules
  • Dance floors may open at weddings and events only

All other Phase 4 industries will not be able to open until a future reopening step. Those include:
  • Road races, street festivals, and parades, and fairs
  • Amusement parks, theme parks, outdoor water parks
  • Indoor water parks and indoor/outdoor ball pits
  • Saunas, hot-tubs, steam rooms at fitness centers, health clubs, and other facilities
  • Beer gardens/ breweries/ wineries/ distilleries
  • Bars, dance clubs, and nightclubs—venues offering entertainment, beverages, or dancing and not providing seated food service

Updated guidance can be found at www.mass.gov/reopening.
This information is posted on our website at https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/reopening-resources
Town of Franklin | www.franklinma.gov
Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
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