Monday, March 29, 2021

Vaccine 'passports' (really 'certificates') will be difficult but are in development

"The Biden administration and private companies are working to develop a standard way of handling credentials - often referred to as “vaccine passports” - that would allow Americans to prove they have been vaccinated against the novel coronavirus as businesses try to reopen.

The effort has gained momentum amid President Joe Biden's pledge that the nation will start to regain normalcy this summer and with a growing number of companies - from cruise lines to sports teams - saying they will require proof of vaccination before opening their doors again.

The administration's initiative has been driven largely by arms of the Department of Health and Human Services, including an office devoted to health information technology, said five officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the effort. The White House this month took on a bigger role coordinating government agencies involved in the work, led by coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients, with a goal of announcing updates in coming days, said one official.

.... 

U.S. officials say they are grappling with an array of challenges, including data privacy and health-care equity. They want to make sure all Americans will be able to get credentials that prove they have been vaccinated, but also want to set up systems that are not easily hacked or passports that cannot be counterfeited, given that forgeries are already starting to appear."


Continue reading the article online at the Boston Globe (subscription may be required) 
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/28/nation/vaccine-passports-are-way-developing-them-wont-be-easy/

Or where it originated with the Washington Post (subscription may be required):  



Equal access to sports

"The last time Republicans in South Dakota made a serious push to bar transgender girls from school sports, in 2019, their bill was known only by its nondescript numerical title, Senate Bill 49. Its two main sponsors were men. And it died without ever getting out of committee, just 10 days after it was introduced.

But when Republicans decided to try again in January, they were far more strategic in their approach. The sponsors this time were two women who modeled their bill after a template provided by a conservative legal organization. They gave the bill a name that suggested noble intent: the “act to promote continued fairness in women’s sports.” Supporters from Minnesota and Idaho traveled to the Capitol in Pierre to testify that a new law was urgently needed to keep anyone with male biological characteristics out of female competitions, even though they acknowledged only a handful of examples of that happening in South Dakota."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

"Megan Rapinoe: Bills to ban transgender kids from sports try to solve a problem that doesn’t exist"
"I remember how I felt when I played soccer for the first time. Long before I was winning World Cup matches, I was trying to keep up with my brother. Soccer has been a part of my life since I was 4 years old. I spent hours outside working to perfect that next move — I wanted to be the best.

Being able to play sports as a child shaped my life’s path. It taught me so much more than is seen on the field and brought me so much joy. Every child deserves to have that experience. That’s why I believe that all kids, including transgender youth, should be able to participate in sports they love."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

Phone scams keep calling

"A Globe colleague recently got two unsettling calls on his mobile phone from the same “888″ number.

He received the first call a couple of weeks ago from someone who said he was from Eversource (spoiler alert: he wasn’t) and that the electricity to his house would be turned off in “40 to 45 minutes” because his account was overdue.

“Are you really from Eversource?” my colleague asked, more a statement than a question.

The caller quickly hung up."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/28/business/phone-scams-keep-coming-here-are-tips-how-avoid-them/

Additional information from the Federal Trade Commission can be found here

A person uses a credit card for a phone purchase.ADOBE STOCK
A person uses a credit card for a phone purchase.ADOBE STOCK


Next year juniors/seniors in high school - check out the CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp


"Do you know a rising high school junior or senior interested in public health? @CDCgov Disease Detective Camp is an incredible experience, and this year it is offering a new, web-based Public Health Academy for remote learners!"

"All students to who will be high-school juniors or seniors during the 2021-2022 school year and at least 16 years old on the first day of the camp session to which they are accepted.

As the CDC Museum remains closed due to COVID-19 precautions, we are not able to predict yet if in-person programming will be available the summer of 2021. If the museum is not reopened for in-person programming, the CDC Museum will offer only online courses. A final decision on in-person programming will be made May 3, 2021; all applicants will be notified of the decision by email."

Details and reg links:  https://t.co/z1Fk2qnM9a
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmaccannell/status/1376196094632267778

Next year juniors/seniors in high school - check out the CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
Next year juniors/seniors in high school - check out the CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp


Name That Tune Invitation - Monday March 29 at 1 PM


Name That Tune Invitation - Monday March 29 at 1 PM
Name That Tune Invitation - Monday March 29 at 1 PM


Join us on Monday, March 29 at 1 PM for our first DAYTIME version of our most popular Zoom event "Name That Tune!".  Whether you know music inside out and backwards, just love listening to it or are looking for a SUPER fun event with lots of great music, fun people and lots of laughs you are sure to have a great time at this event!   
Feel free to pass this link along to a friend who might enjoy playing too. 

Name That Tune - Monday March 29th at 1pm Click below to join event
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/99580209814?pwd=dXJCOXNPRXlpQWdUYVZMQmNLaGVvUT09

Meeting ID: 995 8020 9814
Passcode: 564106
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,99580209814#,,,,*564106# US (New York)
+13017158592,,99580209814#,,,,*564106# 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

Sunday, March 28, 2021

FM #501 Health Director Cathleen Liberty - 03/17/21 (audio)

FM #501 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 501 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty on March 17, 2021.
We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the major topics of 

  • COVID-19
  • Emergency dispensing
  • Drive through flu clinic
  • Mosquitoes
  • Returning to ‘normal’

The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/35fbeef7-0241-4769-97c4-2e359d744d55

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

Health Dept. page

https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Board of Health page

https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Prior podcasts with Cathleen

421 - Dec 17, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/fm-421-health-director-cathleen-liberty.html 

391 - Nov 12, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-391-health-dir-cathleen-liberty.html 

355 - Sep 29, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-355-town-of-franklin-health-director.html 

271 - May 11, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-355-town-of-franklin-health-director.html 

259 - April 29, 2020  BoH Chair Bridget Sweet & Cathleen Liberty  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-259-board-of-health-c-liberty-b.html 

232 - March 27, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-232-franklin-ma-health-director.html 

224 - March 13, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-224-health-director-cathleen-liberty.html 

204 - Feb 12, 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-204-health-director-cathleen-liberty.html 

196 - January 28, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fm-196-cathleen-liberty-franklins.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"

Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty
Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - Mar 30

Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
March 30, 2021 = 6:30 PM


Agenda:

1. CPC New Member Training - Stuart Saginor, Executive Director, Community Preservation Coalition

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


Agenda doc and meeting connection information


South Franklin Congregational Meeting House
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

HMEA shares reminders on fund raising leading up to incredABLE Day May 23

A few reminders about how YOU can get more involved in our special 20th Anniversary incredABLE Day! 

 

 

Remember – all you need to know about ALL the activities and contests for incredABLE Day – a jam-packed schedule from March 1 to May 23 – can be found in one place – www.hmea.org/incredable-day/

 

Take Care,

Doug MacPherson


We’re virtually CELEBRATING the 20th Anniversary incredABLE Day!

Join us for a virtual walk, run, and lots of online fun! March 1 – May 23


HMEA shares reminders on fund raising leading up to incredABLE Day May 23
HMEA shares reminders on fund raising leading up to incredABLE Day May 23


Franklin Football Gridiron Club fund raising for gift card raffle

"FHS family, friends, and fans - Thank you so much for taking the time to view our fundraiser page. Your support is greatly appreciated. 
For every $10 you spend, you will receive one raffle ticket to win a Visa gift card: 1-$100 card, 2-$50 cards and 4-$25 cards. ($20 donation gets you two tickets, $30 gets you three tickets, etc.) Drawing to be held in April when the campaign ends. 
Please help these exceptional young men, who are working hard to represent their school and community, reach their goal. 
Please spread the word about our fundraiser by sharing it with your friends via Text, Email, Facebook and Twitter. We greatly appreciate any support! Go Panthers!"
Visit the page to donate 

Franklin Football Gridiron Club fund raising for gift card raffle
Franklin Football Gridiron Club fund raising for gift card raffle


Town of Franklin, MA shared @wbz video clip on air filter system

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Sat, Mar 27, 2021:

Thank you to @wbz and @AnnaMeiler for visiting Franklin and showcasing this groundbreaking solution to keep our teachers, children, staff and general public safe now and well into the future! A great story. 
Check out the video clip 👇
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1375779090872078340

This was presented at the School Committee meeting Feb 23,2021. You can listen to the presentation here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/fm-473-school-committee-meeting-022321.html

Photos from the meeting including slides from the presentation on the UVGI system  https://photos.app.goo.gl/nbQRysFGMgEF4owE7

Town of Franklin, MA shared @wbz video clip on air filter system
Town of Franklin, MA shared @wbz video clip on air filter system

MA State News: Sen Finegold meets with Duxbury HS football team; lessons to learn from the pandemic

"Why does it matter to talk about the Holocaust?
Sen. Finegold reflects on discussion with Duxbury High School football team"

"EARLIER TODAY (Saturday, Mar 27, 2021) I had the opportunity to meet with members of the Duxbury High School football team. We had a great conversation, and I wanted to share a few reflections.

I spoke to the students about what being Jewish means to me. I told them how my Jewish faith helped me get through the loss of my sister Joni, who passed away at the age of 42 and left behind two young daughters. I also talked about the joy of being Jewish and about how I’m looking forward to celebrating Passover with my family tonight."

Continue reading the article online


"Lessons to learn from the pandemic"
"WHEN THE PANDEMIC passes, what then?  What will we do differently to expand opportunity to the most vulnerable and hardest hit?

We’ve seen the disparities.  Black Americans are 2.6 times more likely to get COVID-19 and more than two times more likely to die from it than white Americans, the Centers for Disease Control reports. Low-income residents and people of color have been the first to get sick and the first to lose their jobs, housing, and food security."
Continue reading the article online

Arts and Creatives Survey Reminder: if you haven't yet replied, please do so

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council is continuing to collect data to help towns respond to the impact of Covid-19 on the arts, artists and cultural organizations.

They are hoping to hear from as many artists, performers, musicians and cultural institutions as possible. Thank you very much to all who have already completed this survey. If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the survey which can be found at the following link:  https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1QRuz8Ww3Jwu1A9

Thank you all for your help with this.


Regards,

Nancy Schoen
Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee
nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com 

Arts and Creatives Survey Reminder: if you haven't yet replied, please do so
Arts and Creatives Survey Reminder: if you haven't yet replied, please do so

Saturday, March 27, 2021

Town of Franklin, MA: Job Opportunities - DPW, Deputy Town Clerk

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  


If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.
To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .
Town of Franklin, MA: Job Opportunities - DPW, Deputy Town Clerk
Town of Franklin, MA: Job Opportunities - DPW, Deputy Town Clerk


FHS football tops Attleboro 17-3

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results: 

Football = Attleboro, 3 @ Franklin, 17 – Final 
1st Quarter: (F) Parker Cheuvront 28-yard field goal.
2nd Quarter: (F) Jared Arone 19-yard pass to Shane Kindred, P. Cheuvront XP good.
3rd Quarter: (A) Colby Briggs 41-yard field goal; (F) Mack Gulla 64-yard rush, P. Cheuvront XP good.
4th Quarter: No scoring.


Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"In all the key moments of Friday night’s contest against visiting Attleboro, the Franklin football team delivered. 
The Panthers converted a fourth down for a touchdown inside the final minutes of the first half, landed a huge counter-punch score late in the third quarter, and its defense stood tall all game long. The result was a 17-3 decision in favor of the hosts. 
While the defense was certainly the story for Franklin, the biggest play of the game came from the Panthers’ offense. Attleboro, which was held scoreless in the first half, made it a one-score game when senior Colby Briggs drilled a 41-yard field goal with just seconds left in the third. 
But before the third quarter came to an end, Franklin delivered a game-changing response. Instead of starting the fourth hanging on to a seven-point lead, Panther senior running back Mack Gulla (21 carries, 172 yards) took the first carry of the ensuing drive to the end zone. The senior found a gap on the left side and then split a pair of defenders in the secondary, scampering for a 64-yard touchdown and a 17-3 lead with just four seconds left in the third."
Continue reading the article online
 
For the photo gallery from the game

For other results around the League

FHS football tops Attleboro 17-3
FHS football tops Attleboro 17-3


Panther TV: News - March 26, 2021 (video)

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) tweeted on Fri, Mar 26, 2021:

Panther News, March 26, 2021  @FranklinPSNews @FHSPantherbook @FranklinHS    
https://t.co/KBp9SP6mxo via @YouTube