Mass.gov: "Please check other locations for availability"

Mass.gov (@MassGov) tweeted at 7:10 AM on Thu, Mar 04, 2021:

"Due to limited federal supply and a large number of previously scheduled second-dose appointments, first dose appointments are no longer available today for Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, or the Reggie Lewis Center. Please check other locations for availability."

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MassGov/status/1367447256350228480

Mass.gov: "Please check other locations for availability"

FM #478 - School Committee Legislative Forum - 03/02/21 (audio)

FM #478 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 478 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the 4th Annual Franklin, MA School Committee Legislative Forum held on Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a virtual format: School Committee members, key guests, and the public were all remote via conference bridge, to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Becca Rausch, and State Representative Jeffrey Roy participated in this 4th annual Forum

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 77 minutes, so let’s listen to the Legislative Forum held Mar 2, 2021.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8706a782-eddb-49cf-a655-1389554a446b

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

Agenda doc 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/franklin-public-schools-school.html

My notes
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-of-legislative-forum-march-2-2021.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/  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" 

screen capture of the Legislative Forum 03/02/21

FM #477 -Community Preservation Comm Mtg - 03/02/21 (audio)

FM #477 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 477 in the series.

 
This session of the radio show shares the inaugural meeting of the Town of Franklin, MA  Community Preservation Committee held on Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a virtual format: the Committee members and key guests were along with the public, all remote via conference bridge, to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Preservation Committee meeting of Mar 2, 2021. 

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/79c5571a-3ccc-4825-bc1d-f5846aff61ea

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

Quick Recap:

• Inaugural meeting of committee, sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello, organizational votes conducted by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen
• Chris Feeley voted as Chair, Dave McNeil voted as Vice-chair, Monique Doyle voted as Clerk; all votes 9-0
• After discussion consensus reached to meeting monthly, first Tuesday of month, beginning at 7 PM (to be confirmed by Town Administrator’s office)
• Info sessions to be set up with the five standing committees to get background on what's underway and /or planned in those arenas; Training session with Community Preservation Coalition also to be set up

Agenda doc 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-3-2_cpc_agenda.pdf

My notes
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/community-preservation-committee-holds.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/  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" 

screen capture of the Community Preservation Meeting 3/2/21

CommonWealth Magazine: "vaccine distribution is a “complete zero sum game at this point,” given the constrained supply"

 

"AFTER WEEKS OF pressure from Massachusetts teachers — and one day after President Biden urged giving educators priority for vaccines — Gov. Charlie Baker said teachers, school staff, and early educators will be eligible to sign up for COVID-19 vaccines in Massachusetts beginning March 11. 

But Baker warned that vaccine supplies will continue to be scarce, so appointments may be hard to get. 

“People will get their vaccines, but people will need to be patient unless there’s a big change in available supply in the near future,” Baker said, speaking to the press on Wednesday morning after touring the West Parish Elementary School in Gloucester, which was celebrating 101 days of in-person learning this year. "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health-care/teachers-become-eligible-for-covid-vaccines-march-11/ 

Gov Baker's press conference: https://youtu.be/VP_noBqx8MU

Hockomock League Spectator Policy for the Fall II

Hockomock League Spectator Policy for the Fall II Season:

"In an effort to organize the safest athletics experience possible for our student-athletes, the Hockomock League will be following the most recent guidance that was issued by the MA Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs: “Spectators are limited to 2 adults (parents/guardians or chaperones) and siblings of a participating player.”

Only home spectators will be allowed to attend league games during the Fall II season. All away spectators are strongly discouraged from traveling to away games, especially since they will not be allowed into the host school’s facility when they arrive. The method by which each host school chooses to admit, or to not admit, their HOME fans, will be decided at the individual District level. 

Our schools are making every effort to livestream as many home games as possible this season."

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1367195819250704390

Direct link to Hockomock League  https://hockomockleague.blogspot.com/2021/03/fall-ii-wedge-season-league-statement.html

Hockomock League Spectator Policy for the Fall II

Recap of the Board of Health meeting - Mar 3, 2021

Quick Recap:

• Partnered with Housing Authority to schedule vaccine clinic for 3/5/21. Last clinic of this type anticipated due to DPH and supply restrictions
• COVID message covered by State/Federal funding
• House on Jordan Rd condemn to provide for legal recuse due to owner inaction since fire

----

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  #boh0303 
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0303&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting underway for the Board of Health meeting https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-3-3-21_revised_0.pdf #boh0303
• #boh0303 Chair runs through the COVID protocol for the meeting.
• #boh0303 approval of minutes for Feb meeting, motion to approve, second, passes 3-0 via roll call
• #boh0303 partnering with Housing Authority to conduct vaccines for residents, delivered yesterday, scheduled for Friday 3/5 distribution. Last clinic (currently authorized) per DPH.
• Housing authority is handling the scheduling for the residents, using a roster template for MIIS entry. #boh0303 still a question on the 2nd dose possible for Apr 2. Do have backup lists to use the allocation. Staffing covered.
• Messaging covered by funding, billboard and signage, also social media piece on Town page with Cathleen http://bit.ly/BOHVac #boh0303
• #boh0303 mosquito update, yes, it is that time again targeting for Apr 5 aerial spray (weather dependent). House on Jordan Rd, no demo permit yet, State also involved. Looking to move forward with condemnation of building, wd set up for next step in due diligence, safety issue
• Propose to condemn property at 76 Jordan Road, so moved and seconded, passes 3-0 via roll call, Winter St property coming to market via foreclosure. #boh0303 reminder to members to complete the conflict of interest form.
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0 via roll call. #boh0303 that's all for this one. Economic development coming up at 5:45 PM Stay tuned. Town Council follows at 7 PM. Yup, a busy night!

Recap of the Board of Health meeting - Mar 3, 2021

"6.1 percent more than it did during the same eight pre-pandemic months of fiscal year 2020"

 

"TAX COLLECTIONS exceeded the Baker administration’s expectations by $372 million in February and surpassed the total of collections in February 2020, a development that positions the state to end this budget year having collected more tax revenue than it did last year.

The Department of Revenue said it collected $1.874 billion in taxes last month, $359 million, or 23.7 percent, more than what was collected in February 2020 and $372 million or 24.8 percent more than what the department had been expecting."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/state-tax-collections-remain-on-a-roll/

Given this is one of the key factors that Senate President Karen Spilka referenced during the Legislative Forum on Tuesday, this is good news.

New York Times: "a poster child for the idea of climatic 'tipping points'”

"In the Atlantic Ocean, Subtle Shifts Hint at Dramatic Dangers

The warming atmosphere is causing an arm of the powerful Gulf Stream to weaken, some scientists fear."

Follow the link to review this article online at the New York Times. This is one article that is much better viewed with the visuals they use due to the interactive nature of their presentation.

"IT’S ONE OF THE MIGHTIEST RIVERS you will never see, carrying some 30 times more water than all the world’s freshwater rivers combined. In the North Atlantic, one arm of the Gulf Stream breaks toward Iceland, transporting vast amounts of warmth far northward, by one estimate supplying Scandinavia with heat equivalent to 78,000 times its current energy use. Without this current — a heat pump on a planetary scale — scientists believe that great swathes of the world might look quite different."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/03/02/climate/atlantic-ocean-climate-change.html

Recap of the Legislative Forum - March 2, 2021

Quick Recap:

• Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Becca Rausch, and State Representative Jeffrey Roy participated in this 4th annual Forum
• Student Opportunity Act funding, SPED reimbursements, social emotional learning and mental health issues were all topics of the session
• Oh and yes, getting teachers a priority for vaccine was a key topic especially given the news out of Washington and the buzz among the various legislators around the state, not just those present
• As for how much hope there is in the budget and state funding time will tell. Word from the Federal side is good especially with the new administration. Should have more insight over the next several weeks. House and Senate working on timeline to have a normal budget schedule. State is starting in a hole created by use of one time funds from last year. Gov Baker's budget uses more one time funds in his budget, how the House and Senate will work with that remains to be seen
  

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/FJmNsoLyR2BZtESF8 

 

----

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  #schcom0302

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0302&src=typed_query

• School Committee legislative forum on tap next at 6:30 PM agenda and connection info contained in doc https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-2-21-legislative_forum.pdf. #schcom0302 @jeffroy @KarenSpilka @BeccaRauschMA scheduled to participate in this session with Franklin, MA School Committee to help inform the community and answer questions on reopening, vaccine, state funding, and such topics. #schcom0302
• Ready to go but is seems they are running late #schcom0302
• #schcom0302 Spencer to provide overview of session, statement by Supt Ahern followed by questions of the legislative delegates, and then Q&A for public; 60+ present at start of meeting.
• #schcom0302 Superintendent remarks include request to consider 2019 enrollment as the 2020 numbers reflects 'lost' students but it's expected they'll return. @KarenSpilka @BeccaRauschMA and @jeffroy introduced
• #schcom0302 starting with Gov Baker's budget, @KarenSpilka acknowledges this forum is a 'rite of spring' albeit it would be better in person, at least we're together.
• #schcom0302 use of $3.5B in one time funds last year will be a challenge to make up, $1.6B also from rainy day fund proposed for use this year. 3 mins per speaker interrupts but the other provide their 3 mins each to allow @KarenSpilka to finish. She hopes she won't need it
• #schcom0302 there was wisdom in waiting to do the budget last year, it avoided deep cuts. Federal picture looks better, will continue to find out info as the weeks progress. So hopeful for what's coming. Stay tuned will build on the Gov budget.
• #schcom0302 she did finish with 40 seconds or so to spare. What about student opportunity act? We are a year behind starting this. @jeffroy takes the lead on this. House to do budget for April, and be closer to traditional time line. Will see how to add to SOA funding
• #schcom0302 Jeff - kudos to you for the hard work to do the best under really challenging period. @BeccaRauschMA adds to what was said by Jeff. SOA is key, what are other priorities?
• Discussion on timing, turns out it is 3 mins for an answer to a single question, not per person. Ok. #schcom0302 SPED costs went from 22% to 26% from 2008 to 2019, a goodly increase. Reimbursement doesn't make a dent in service costs, hence imbalance.
• #schcom0302 SOA did change the enrollment rate for refunding (increases it) but may still not fully cover SPED costs. ?on indigenous peoples day (Columbus Day) @BeccaRauschMA an advocate for this provides an update, it was refiled this year, gathering co-sponship now
• #schcom0302 @BeccaRauschMA  did file bill to do away with holiday on Columbus and replace with election day. ? Ways to support mental health issues, @KarenSpilka has forum coming up, check webpage for details. https://karenspilka.com/sel
• #schcom0302 did also get an earmark for mental health support for her district of which Franklin is part. Also talks of the OSA from 4Q  https://www.mass.gov/there-could-be-more-to-the-story
• #schcom0302 SOA are working to increase funding for mental health issues, esp during COVID and likely post pandemic. President Biden just advocated for teacher vaccinations, @KarenSpilka also made statement today for priority of teachers. Franklin has capability to deliver
• #schcom0302 vaccine program for teachers should be done before students return in person. Can be done locally. BTW up to 70+ for session.
• #schcom0302 the message should be clear, both Senate and House want teachers prioritized. @KarenSpilka came to the Senate to change education funding, they are making progress. When I think about the pandemic and the toll on families, we need to get things done, safely
• #schcom0302 pushing for clear Communications and better registration process for vaccines. How are things changing, what should the new normal be like? @KarenSpilka
• #schcom0302 @BeccaRauschMA  touts equality approach to public health. What's next? Community immunity act, to set up for the future so we don't find ourselves here again https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/SD1499
• #schcom0302 @jeffroy  touting work of legislation to work remotely for the first time in 400 year history of the great and general court. Another hearing next week, pay attention, that's how we work. Link to legislation filed this session https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JNR1
• Q on health insurance as it affects budget and rising yearly, how can folks survive with 7,8,9 % increases.
• @BeccaRauschMA  the question does deserve a solution, @KarenSpilka have done some cost containment over years - clarification on SPED costs mentioned earlier
• ? On substance abuse and what's being done at legislation? Recognition of it, funding provided to the community groups that are working with the schools to address these needs. #schcom0302 $50K specifically for an anti-vaping program and it was used  @BeccaRauschMA
• @jeffroy adds that he was glad that the delegation did support the $50K esp in a time when we we're not supposed to be doing earmarks. #schcom0302 That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

screen capture of the Zoom session

Community Preservation Committee holds inaugural meeting and organizes

Quick Recap:

• Inaugural meeting of committee, sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello, organizational votes conducted by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen
• Chris Feeley voted as Chair, Dave McNeil voted as Vice-chair, Monique Doyle voted as Clerk; all votes 9-0
• After discussion consensus reached to meeting monthly, first Tuesday of month, beginning at 7 PM
• Info sessions to be set up with the five standing committees to get background on what's underway and /or planned in those arenas; Training session with Community Preservation Coalition also to be set up
  

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/bGaSx5eG1VPoQZtB6

 

----

 

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  #cpc0302

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cpc0302&src=typeahead_click

• Community Preservation Committee has its inaugural meeting soon. Here is the agenda with connection info and recommended reading links https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-3-2_cpc_agenda.pdf #cpc0302
• Getting ready for real time reporting for the community preservation Committee meeting, followed by the SchComm Legislative Forum at 6:30 tonight. Good info on tap; tune in to watch, or follow the tweets here #cpc0302
• Nominations of D McNeil and C Feeley for chair; discussion amongst Committee before vote. #cpc0302
• #cpc0302 Feeley voted as Chair, McNeil voted as Vice-chair, via roll call on both counts; monique Doyle nominated and voted as clerk of the committee Via roll call on clerk as well. All votes 9-0
• Discussion non next steps being led by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. BTW Town Clerk Nancy Danello swore the members in before this vote for chair, etc started. #cpc0302
• #cpc0302 do have time to get organized and up to speed. They want to hear from other of the five represented Committees and get info on their arena, building consensus around 7 PM on 1st Tuesdays going forward
• #cpc0302 discussion on recommendation or origination of a project? Usually recommend after getting amongst project to Town Council for their spending approval. May have some (if not most) meetings beginning Apr 6 at Council Chambers
• Discussion on date/times for meetings, one vote for the calendar (done differently amongst Committees) once laid out for year. #cpc0302 move to adjourn, passes 9-0 via roll call Meeting ends, a good start! 

 

Community Preservation Committee holds inaugural meeting and organizes

Informative meetings on tap Wednesday

 

On the Town side

5:00 PM - Board of Health  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/franklin-ma-board-of-health-agenda-mar.html

5:45 PM - Economic Development Subcommittee   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/economic-development-subcommittee.html

7:00 PM - Town Council  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-mar-3.html

On the School side

4"30 PM - Budget subcommittee  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/franklin-public-schools-ma-budget-sub.html

Informative meetings on tap Wednesday

 

wfpr.fm Radio - Broadcasting today

 

• 9:00 AM / 12:00 noon  / 6:00 PM

Franklin Matters Radio =   FM #470 Interview with State Rep Jeff Roy

 

• 10:00 AM / 1:00 PM / 7:00 PM

 Wonderful World of Wine =  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points with Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone
 

• 11:00 AM/ 2:00 PM / 8:00 PM

Franklin Matters Radio =  FM #476 Talk Franklin with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing Communication Specialist Anne Marie Tracy

 

wfpr.fm Radio - Broadcasting today

 

St Mary's Women's Club: Scholarship for High School Seniors

SCHOLARSHIP Application Requirements: Open to both male and female students. Applicant must be a registered member of St. Mary's Parish in Franklin. Preference is given to candidates who have a relative in the Catholic Women's Club. Applicant must be a graduating from High School in the Spring, 2021 and progressing on to his/her 1st year of study at a 2 or 4-year college/university. Applicant must submit a completed scholarship application, with required attachments as indicated below, postmarked on or before the application deadline of Friday, April 16, 2021 The Scholarship will be awarded based on the following input: An essay of why the student is applying for this scholarship. What are the applicants interests and activities and involvement in the church and their faith? Two letters of recommendation from a non-family member who can attest to the applicants service in school, the parish, or the community. Up to 2 Scholarships will be awarded and will be paid to each recipient as 2 installments of $500 each. These payments will be given to the recipient at the start of their 1st semester of studies and upon proof on enrollment in the 2nd semester.   $1000 Scholarship Application   Contact info: St Mary's Catholic Women's Club Scholarship Committee 407 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Applicant must be a registered member of St Mary's Parish. Preference given to relatives of Catholic Women's Club members.

Extension of Premises: Outdoor Dining on Private Property/Parking Lot - UPDATE

 

"This guidance is for restaurants who wish to use or currently use private parking lots for outdoor dining to increase business activity and revenues in a safe and responsible way during the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 3 2020, the Town Council authorized the Town Administrator to execute any and all licenses relative to COVID-19 Executive Order No. 35 in regards to opening reactants for outdoor dining.

For any businesses who applied and were approved last year: Your permit remains in effect however you must send the Town Administration Office your updated Certificate of Liability Insurance. Also, if you had tents and wish to use these again you must have those reinspected by the building department. Please contact the Building department at 508-528-4926 with any questions or complete the online building application here: https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1081/record-types/6456

For any new businesses applying or any changes to existing permit being made: Before the private parking lot is used for the benefit of the restaurant, the owner or his/her/their designee, shall complete the online “Temporary Outdoor Dining License” application via Viewpoint under “Administration”. https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/"
 

Download a copy of the file:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VPKyWSW1Umi5IoWmwgVJxzY__HJSGx0x/view?usp=sharing

Shared from: https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/update-temporary-outdoor-dining

Extension of Premises: Outdoor Dining on Private Property/Parking Lot - UPDATE

 

CommonWealth Magazine: State considering remote telework as standard practice; Spilka advocates for teachers to get vaccinated

 

"CLOSE TO HALF of the state’s executive branch employees could continue some form of telework even once the pandemic ends, Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael Heffernan said Tuesday.

Speaking to the House and Senate Ways and Means Committees at a hearing on Baker’s $45.6 billion fiscal 2022 budget proposal, Heffernan laid out the broad contours of a proposed state employee remote work plan. Of 44,000 full-time employees working for state government, Heffernan said, more than 20,000 could telework in the future in some sort of “hybrid” plan. He said employees would come into the office some days and work remotely on other days.

The state’s stance on telework could be a precursor of what happens in the rest of the economy, and a permanent shift to telework could have major implications for downtowns, commercial real estate, and transportation. The MBTA, for example, is struggling to chart its future service plans amid great uncertainty about commuting and work patterns."

Continue reading the article online  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/state-eyeing-hybrid-telework-model-for-half-of-workforce/

 

"WITH THE STATE expecting to see its supply of COVID-19 vaccine increase over the coming weeks, Senate President Karen Spilka on Tuesday said Gov. Charlie Baker must let teachers get vaccinated this month and should set aside a percentage of doses for teachers and school staff.

Spilka’s call on the Baker administration to prioritize teacher vaccination comes a week after the Republican governor and Education Commissioner Jeff Riley detailed their intent to have all school districts bring elementary school students back to the classroom full-time by April.

The Senate’s top Democrat said if that is the goal then the administration must provide cities and towns with the resources and support they need, including vaccines."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/spilka-to-baker-get-teachers-vaccinated/