Edison Research: "streaming now accounts for 12% of AM/FM radio listening in the US"

"Edison Research’s Share of Ear® shows highest proportion ever of AM/FM Listening to streaming v. over-the-air

 The most recent Share of Ear® study from Edison Research finds that 12% of all AM/FM radio listening is via streaming, while 88% of listening is done to a traditional, over-the-air radio signal.

AM/FM radio content in the U.S. is now available through a variety of digital apps and devices, making radio listening possible on computers, smartphones, smart speakers, and through radio station websites, apps, and third party apps. Although streaming AM/FM content continues to see small amounts of incremental growth each year, and at 12% is the highest measure yet, the largest amount of listening goes to the over-the-air (OTA) signals from devices such as car radios and clock radios."

Continue reading the article online  https://www.edisonresearch.com/streaming-now-accounts-for-12-of-am-fm-radio-listening-in-the-u-s/

For more about Share of Ear®   https://www.shareofear.com/

You can help increase the 12% by listening to Franklin Public Radio where ever you are on the internet at wfpr.fm

Edison Research’s Share of Ear® study is the only research that measures the entire world of audio, looking at platform of listening, time of day, device on which the audio was consumed, the kind of programming, and the location of listening

 

The Washington Post: "How the pandemic set back women’s progress in the global workforce"

"The first year of the pandemic knocked 54 million women around the world out of work, widening the gender gap in employment. It could take years for that gap to narrow again. 

Of the women who lost jobs in 2020, almost 90 percent exited the labor force completely, compared with around 70 percent of men. 

How did this happen? Country-level data offers clues. The Washington Post analyzed available data and focused on three countries that offered revealing case studies: Peru, Thailand and France."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required) 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2021/coronavirus-women-work?itid=hp_orw-hp-2021

Found via Twitter:  https://t.co/oElQCSG1wO

Huapaya worked during the early months of the pandemic at a restaurant, where she cut her hand on a bottle. She now works as a house cleaner twice a month and as a nanny for another family and sells meals on Sundays. (Daniela Rivera Antara for The Washington Post)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 1, 2021

Town Council Meeting

September 1, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. July 21, 2021   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3a_minutes.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
a. Police Department:
i. Nick Palmieri, Promotion to Sergeant
ii. Jack Flynn, Promotion to Detective
iii. Victoria McVicar, New Hire Introduction & Ceremonial Swearing in
iv. Patrick MacDonald, New Hire Introduction & Ceremonial Swearing in

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Richard C. Johnson, Conservation Commission   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5a._appointment_r_johnston.pdf

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-874: Amendment to Ch.185 Section 21 Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements proposed change to minimum parking requirements in Downtown Commercial and Commercial I zoning districts.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._dt_parking.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
a. Karen Maguire - Superintendent of Schools, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

• a. Resolution 21-50: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services, $400 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-50 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10a._gift_vets_400.pdf
• b. Resolution 21-51: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-51 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10b._peg_qrtr_2.pdf
• c. Resolution 21-52: Budget Stabilization Policy (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-52 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10c._financial_policies.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
a. 2020-2021 Town Council Goals Update  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/11a._2020-2021_town_council_goals_update_as_we_go.pdf

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Board.

15. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
a. Discussion of possible land acquisition depending on the outcome of the Executive Session.

16. ADJOURN

Note:

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda document with connection info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/9-1-21_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 1, 2021

Franklin High School: Back To School Newsletter

Franklin High School (@FranklinHS) tweeted Sat, Aug 28, 2021:

Back To School FHS Newsletter! 

https://t.co/Xck36Vxl12   or here ->   https://www.canva.com/design/DAEoOXzqzT8/of-9Lli6oUg8pVeQlZSRqg/view#1

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinHS/status/1431633435819487246?s=03

Franklin High School: Back To School Newsletter

FHS Baseball Boosters schedule golf tournament fund raiser - Oct 18

Jill Lyons (@JillLyons21) tweeted at 9:18 AM on Fri, Aug 27, 2021:

Come join us for a Fall morning of golf and support FHS baseball!  

It's sure to be a fun time!⚾️⛳️ https://t.co/kFTJUUdwcr

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillLyons21/status/1431244659746123780?s=03

FHS Baseball Boosters schedule golf tournament fund raiser - Oct 18

International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2021

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted Sat, Aug 28, 2021:

The SAFE Coalition and local leaders will gather for a vigil on Tuesday, August 31st at 6:30 PM in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day. 

All are welcome to attend. https://t.co/8U5XPVNfj6

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1431713966003208193?s=03

International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2021

"Mass. should require vaccination for all teachers and eligible students"

Tracy O'Connell Novick (@TracyNovick) tweeted Sun, Aug 29, 2021:

I was honored to be asked by the vice chair of the Worcester Board of Health Dr. Jerry Gurwitz to jointly write a piece calling for a state vaccine mandate for all eligible in our schools.

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TracyNovick/status/1431920387990904833?s=03

"LOCAL BOARDS OF HEALTH, school committees, and municipal leaders are struggling to navigate through the challenges of assuring that all eligible school children and teachers are vaccinated. Increased urgency around the need for vaccination follows from the alarming turn the pandemic has taken. The highly contagious Delta variant has very rapidly become the dominant strain across Massachusetts and the country as a whole.

While vaccination efforts across the Commonwealth continue, low vaccination rates in adolescents are extremely concerning, especially in our largest cities. In Worcester, among those ages 12 to 19, 6 out of 10 have not been fully vaccinated. Even with enhanced vaccination efforts, including the opening of new clinics over the coming weeks, these numbers are unlikely to change substantially prior to the opening of schools or in the first weeks of the school year unless the state mandates vaccinations for eligible students — as well as for teachers and staff."

 Continue to read the article online  https://t.co/SUuTTGWwRl

"Mass. should require vaccination for all teachers and eligible students"

Dean College is looking for part-time Academic Coaches, is that calling for you?

Dean College is looking for part-time Academic Coaches

ACADEMIC COACH (PART TIME DAYTIME)

"The Academic Coach at Dean College provides a strategy-based approach to academic support for students enrolled in Academic Coaching, a fee-based learning program open to all students at the institution. Academic Coaches work both in person with students to address immediate academic needs while developing long-term independent skills in studying, reading, and organization. Academic Coaches help students become independent learners. Time management, organization and long-term planning are some of the skills that students gain through their experience in Academic Coaching. 

This is a fall-spring semester, part-time position fifteen to twenty-nine hours per week for 14 weeks each semester. Prospective candidates' must be available to work at least three days per week."

https://dean.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=135372

ACADEMIC COACH (PART TIME EVENINGS)

"The Academic Coach at Dean College provides a strategy-based approach to academic support for students enrolled in Academic Coaching, a fee-based learning program open to all students at the institution. Academic Coaches work with students to address immediate academic needs, while developing long-term independent skills in studying, reading, and organization. Academic Coaches help students become independent learners and to eventually transition away from tutorial support. Time management, organization and long-term planning are some of the skills that students gain through their experience in Academic Coaching.

This is a fall-spring semester, part-time position; eight to twelve hours per week for 14 weeks each semester. Prospective candidates' must be available to work at least two evenings per week for extended hours. Must be able to work additional days/evenings (or occasional weekends) to make up hours when necessary."

https://dean.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=133191

 

Dean College is looking for part-time Academic Coaches, is that calling for you?

COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine updates, including Franklin's vaccine stats - a quick recap

1 - Maura George (@maurageorgemd) tweeted Fri, Aug 27, 2021:

As a mom of 3 little boys, I am desperate to get my kids' childhood back to normal. As a doctor, I want data to know that what we're doing is actually effective. I was floored when I graphed these numbers from ATL schools this week. #maskmandate https://t.co/7prNuI7XAQ

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/maurageorgemd/status/1431368291948302347?s=03

Georgia Dept. of Public Health data -> https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report

COVID-19 cases in Atlanta students, mask mandate

2. "Children’s hospitals around the country are seeing a surge in Covid-19 patients"

"As the Delta variant grips the country, children who are not yet eligible for vaccination are at higher risk of being infected — especially in places where the virus is surging. A New Orleans children’s hospital had so many Covid-19 patients that a federal “surge team” was called in to bolster an exhausted staff.

Children under 12 may have to wait until the end of the year to get vaccinated. Half of the adolescents in the U.S. have now received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, the White House said on Friday."

Via the New York Times Friday highlights->    https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/27/briefing/kabul-evictions-candyman.html

The full article and heart rendering photos can be found ->

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/27/us/children-covid-delta.html

3 -  "Why Provincetown’s Response to Its COVID Outbreak Was So Effective"

"Source investigation complements standard contact tracing; it’s not a substitute. When outbreaks are detected, people need to be informed immediately, so they can get tested and ensure they are not unknowingly spreading the virus. Once a cluster is detected, venues should re-evaluate their COVID mitigation measures and ensure that staff are vaccinated and ventilation systems refresh indoor air at least four to six times per hour. High-risk venues should keep lists of patrons, and outreach to customers through social media can be very effective. Mandating that customers are vaccinated, as New York, San Francisco and New Orleans have done, may not suffice to prevent outbreaks. Some European countries are requiring evidence of a negative coronavirus test for unvaccinated people entering indoor entertainment venues.

The Provincetown outbreak occurred as thousands of people arrived to celebrate the Fourth of July, believing their vaccinations would protect them against infection. When infected people began feeling ill, some didn’t immediately attribute their symptoms to COVID-19 because of the widespread belief that breakthrough infections were almost impossible. After the cases emerged, the local health department’s investigation was undoubtedly helped by strong word-of-mouth communication, as many infections affected members of the gay community, a group that for decades has witnessed the effects of the AIDS pandemic. Since then, many local businesses have reassessed their COVID mitigation measures, the town reinstituted an indoor mask mandate and new cases have leveled off."

Also from the New York Times, where the full article can be found ->  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/27/opinion/provincetown-covid-contact-tracing.html

4 -CNN’s Leana Wen: ‘Public health is now under attack in a way that it has not been before’

An excerpt from the full interview (which is definitely worth reading to get the full context:

"Yeah. It’s the height of American exceptionalism that we are where we are. I have family in other parts of the world where health-care workers and vulnerable elderly people are begging to get the vaccine. And here, we’re sitting on stockpiles and begging people to take the vaccine.

I think how we got here is complicated, right? I agree with the surgeon general in issuing the advisory about misinformation and disinformation — certainly that plays a big role here. There are individuals out there who are knowingly spreading misinformation. There are others who are clicking and then, unfortunately, sharing misinformation that’s leading to question that and the efficacy of vaccines. That misinformation is taking away people’s freedom to make decisions for themselves and their families.

And I think the Biden administration needs to take some responsibility here, also, for their miscalculation and misjudgment in being so uneasy about vaccine verification and relying on the honor code. Come on. Did they really think that the honor system was going to work during a pandemic when many people behaved so dishonorably? The honor system did not work. And, of course, the unvaccinated are now running around living their lives as if they are vaccinated. And that’s led to the surge that we are now seeing. We lost the powerful incentive to increase vaccines in that really important window."

Read the full interview on the Washington Post page (subscription maybe required)  
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/cnns-leana-wen-public-health-is-now-under-attack-in-a-way-that-it-has-not-been-before/2021/08/19/42c76184-ef0b-11eb-a452-4da5fe48582d_story.html

5 - Via the MA.gov DPH weekly updates, here is the vaccine statistics by age group for Franklin, Not that the population up to 11 years old is excluded as the vaccine is not yet authorized for them.

Boston Globe article with their coverage on this week's data

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/04/15/nation/massachusetts-confirmed-coronavirus-cases-by-city/

My downloaded copy filtered for Franklin data (as of 8/26/21)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YTnqmKTprkfFDGkBEoM678QlxqbvNgP9/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true

The full data file can be found on the MA Gov page

https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-municipality-vaccination-report-august-26-2021/download

Franklin's vaccine stats as of 8/26/21

The Franklin Interact Club is looking for new members. Could that be you?

Franklin Interact Club (@FranklinIntera1) tweeted Fri, Aug 27, 2021:

Looking for youth volunteers to join Interact! https://t.co/a6HajaJChV

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinIntera1/status/1431373144690937862?s=03

For more about the Franklin Interact Club, listen to the podcast episode from Aug 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-interact-delivers-100-masks-to.html

The Interact Club is part of the Rotary, you can hear some members of the Rotary talk about the overall club and history as well as the new Interact Club

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-400-franklin-ma-rotary-club-111720.html

Franklin Interact Club is looking for new members. Could that be you?

New story walk is up at the SNETT, a cool day for a walk!

"The new #storywalk is up! You can find it at Center St trailhead in Bellingham (198 Center St for your GPS). Enjoy!

#SNETT #railtrail #FBRTC #BellinghamMA #FranklinMA #massdcr
— at Southern New England Trunkline Trail."

Shared from Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/185258844899495/posts/4292760737482598/

New story walk is up at the SNETT, a cool day for a walk!

Wicked Local: "Here's why 16-year-old twins got the COVID vaccine today in Franklin"

"When you have a twin, it goes without saying that you will be doing a lot of things in tandem.

And for Franklin's Gerety twins — 16-year-olds Brendan and Shawn — on Wednesday this included rolling up their sleeves together and getting their first vaccination shot against COVID-19.

The two teens were among those who elected to take advantage of a state Department of Public Health mobile vaccination clinic that the town's Health Department hosted outside the Davis Thayer School.

Every set of twins has matching qualities, but also some differences. In this case, one Gerety was a tad nervous about getting the vaccination; the other was not."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/country-gazette/2021/08/26/covid-19-shots-ice-cream-served-up-mobile-vax-clinic-franklin/5574818001/

ice cream was sponsored by Franklin TV

Franklin Veterans - September Coffee Social - Sep 1, 2021 - 10 AM

September Coffee Social!

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 - 10:00 AM

Hello Veterans,

It's hard to believe summer's almost over and September is upon us!

Please join us for our monthly Coffee Social:

When: Wednesday, September 1

Time: 10:00 AM

Where: Senior Center Multi-Purpose Room

As of today, masks are optional.

Franklin native Joe Landry will make a special photo presentation of:

FRANKLIN - THEN & NOW

We hope you can join us for coffee, conversation and a look back at Franklin in times gone by.

As always, all veterans are welcome. Feel free to invite others who may not be on our contact list!

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/september-coffee-social-1

Franklin Veterans - September Coffee Social - Sep 1, 2021 - 10 AM

The Lancetet: "Drowning prevention: turning the tide on a leading killer"

 

"Drowning is a leading killer, particularly of children and young adults, yet has been greatly neglected. Despite accounting for a higher number of deaths than many other substantial public health issues, drowning has not benefitted from the targeted attention it requires, which is particularly tragic because low cost and effective drowning prevention interventions exist. 

Therefore, the recent UN General Assembly's adoption of a resolution on global drowning prevention is a historic first, and offers an exciting opportunity by providing a comprehensive framework and a practical roadmap that a range of actors and sectors, including governments, can follow to address the challenge of drowning prevention."

Continue reading the article online

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(21)00165-1/fulltext

Download the report PDF  ->  https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2468-2667%2821%2900165-1

Recent articles on drowning by the Boston Globe

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/08/12/metro/combat-drownings-state-earmarks-475000-new-funding-swim-lessons-safety-messages/?p1=BGSearch_Advanced_Results

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/08/18/metro/near-drownings-reported-duxbury-peabody-plymouth-officials-say/?p1=BGSearch_Advanced_Results

A child holds her breath underwater while participating in a swimming class in this 2014 file photo. JESSICA RINALDI/GLOBE STAFF

Report: "Massachusetts Cities and Towns Leading the Way to 100% Renewable Energy"

"Cities and towns are taking ambitious steps to increase renewable electricity generation, reduce energy use, and shift to clean heating technologies, according to a new report from the Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center.

“The best ideas for clean energy often start at the local level,” said Ben Hellerstein, state director for the center. “If we want to have cleaner air, healthier communities, and a safer future for our children, we need to move rapidly toward 100% renewable energy from sources like the sun and the wind. These communities are showing how to make it happen.”

The report, Renewable Communities 2021, features the following seven case studies of Massachusetts cities, towns and regional agencies that are leading the way to 100% renewable energy. "

Continue reading the article online

https://www.mma.org/report-highlights-leading-clean-energy-communities/ 

Download the report PDF ->   https://environmentmassachusettscenter.org/sites/environment/files/reports/Renewable%20Communities%202021.pdf 

Visit Environmental Massachusetts for more information ->   https://environmentmassachusettscenter.org/

Report:  "Massachusetts Cities and Towns Leading the Way to 100% Renewable Energy"