"a strong supply chain is vital for everyone"

The CDL or truck driver shortage reported previously as affecting the trash/recycling pickup and was also highlighted in the two open jobs that the DPW is looking to fill, is not just a US issue. This article shares the info on preparation for the Christmas season in Europe (UK and Iceland in particular). 

"The UK government must allow retailers to recruit HGV drivers from foreign countries to avoid a supply chain crisis that could ruin Christmas, a senior supermarket chain boss has warned. 

Richard Walker, Iceland’s managing director, said the UK faced a shortage of 100,000 HGV drivers that was already causing 30-40 deliveries to its stores to be cancelled daily, and would upend plans to begin building Christmas stock from next month. 

“We’ve got Christmas around the corner, and in retail we start to stock build really from September onwards, for what is a hugely important time of year,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Wednesday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/25/iceland-boss-hgv-drivers-shortage-cancel-christmas-immigration-rules-uk

 

The Franklin DPW is hiring 2 for Heavy Motor Equipment Operator positions

“We should not even be thinking about closing the book or backing off, but rather ratcheting up the effort”

As shared earlier this week (Virus theory vs politics: "unlikely hard answers will be provided this week"), the report did lead to no hard conclusions and more research (in the scientific manner) remains to be done. The 90 day push accomplished much but could not reach a conclusion in the time allotted.

"President Biden on Tuesday received a classified report from the intelligence community that was inconclusive about the origins of the novel coronavirus, including whether the pathogen jumped from an animal to a human as part of a natural process, or escaped from a lab in central China, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter.

The intelligence community will seek within days to declassify elements of the report for potential public release, officials said.

The assessment is the result of a 90-day sprint after Biden tasked his intelligence agencies in May to produce a report “that could bring us closer to a definitive conclusion” on the origins of a virus that has killed more than 4 million people globally and wrecked national economies. But despite analyzing a raft of existing intelligence and searching for new clues, intelligence officials fell short of a consensus, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the report is not yet public."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/08/24/covid-origins-biden-intelligence-review/ 

New York Times coverage of this topic (subscription maybe required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/25/world/asia/china-conspiracy-theories-coronavirus.html

You can help determine the questions asked of each candidate

As the candidates are out and about completing their signature requirements, it is time for us to start gathering the questions that you would like to be asked of the candidates.

As in prior elections, I prefer to provide four or five question to all the candidates. Each position may be slightly different (their role is different) so the questions should reflect that.

You can help with the question development by submitting the ONE question you would ask of each candidate. With all of the Town Council or School Committee candidates responding to the same set of questions, we can then determine whom we would prefer.

Use the Google form here to submit your question. You can submit more than one but the final decision on the four or five questions to be asked remains with the editor.

Form link =>  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWDz7OhOu-J9dVZWtHwG6NbfTVvRQbcny66Z3rqWZLN-o6Dw/viewform?usp=sf_link

The offer to candidates to set up an interview   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/offer-to-candidates-for-town-of.html 

You can help determine the questions asked of each candidate

Prior questions and prior interview results are located in the Election Collection for each Town of Franklin local election going back to 2007 

• Franklin Election - 2007
• Franklin Election - 2009
• Franklin Election - 2010
• Franklin Election - 2011
• Franklin Election - 2012
• Franklin Election - 2013
• Franklin Election - 2014
• Franklin Election - 2015
• Franklin Election - 2016
• Franklin Election - 2017
• Franklin Election - 2018
• Franklin Election - 2019

FM #589 - The Franklin (MA) DPW Water Series 07/15/21 - P2 of 3

FM #589 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 589 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. 

We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St. This is the second of three in the series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water Dept. 

Part 2 - approx. 38 minutes

• Permit process 20 years, midway through this one

• Overall water usage per capita for Franklin is among the best in the state (~45-49gpp vs ~65gpp)

• Unaccounted for water and meter standards, Franklin is a model community for this

• Infiltration annual testing uses a “stethoscope for the road”

• Town owns from the water main to the curb stop (water service shut off from street); Town also owns the meter

• Meter read via radio today, may eventually get to an automatic send to a data collector; used to take 2 guys a month to read, now it takes one only a week to read the meters

• WaterSmart system data based upon readings monthly; billing readings are monthly

• Rebates available for high efficiency water use appliances

• Annual Water report - highlights by section

• Reference to working without the incredible asset of Dave Allard, now retired; 4 hours of a brain dump didn’t catch it all but he still answers the phone when they call

• Key items explained, testing process, negligible results are shown for 20 or so items, another 100+ are tested with no findings, PFAS testing added per state DEP regs

• Difference between water testing done by Town vs. Water bottles available in retail (FDA vs. DEP/EPA regulations)

• Thanks to the 61 residents for participating in the lead and copper special testing required (lead goose necks)

• WaterSmart website, Individual usage can be monitored, Leak detection service

The show notes include links to the Franklin Water Dept. page and other references.

Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn all about Franklin’s water supply.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a148dcea-1db5-49f2-b11c-e302009de27f

-----------

Water Sewer Division - https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division

Water Smart program ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/welcome-watersmart-program

Consumer Confidence Report for 2020 us what we walked through during the conversation

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/franklin_ma_ccr_2020_web_final.pdf

Consumer Confidence Reports -> archive   = https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/consumer-confidence-reports

-----------

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 #589 The Franklin (MA) DPW Water Series 07/15/21 - P2 of 3

Franklin Residents: Pay Your Real Estate, Personal Property, Motor Vehicle Excise & Water/Sewer/Trash Bills Online

Pay Your Real Estate, Personal Property, Motor Vehicle Excise & Water/Sewer/Trash Bills Online

Click here for details

https://unipaygold.unibank.com/customerinfo.aspx

Overdose Awareness Day - Aug 31. 2021

On the Town Common from 6:30 to 8:00 PM

Follow the SAFE Coalition Facebook event for updates

https://www.facebook.com/events/638778387100220

Overdose Awareness Day - Aug 31. 2021

Zucchini Races return to the Farmers Market - Sep 10, 2021

Here are details on the Zucchini Races, sponsored by Franklin Ag Comm Happening Sept 10th!

There is no age limit to who can submit an entry and no motors. Entries will be weighed at check in and split into three weight classes.

Fans can vote for their favorite racer in four different categories.

• Best decorated
• Best use of vegetables
• Funniest name
• Your favorite

We will race in heats, winner of heat moves on. 

When: Friday, Sep 10 at the Farmers Market!

2:30-3:30 - Check in

3:30- 4:00 - Fan Voting

4:00 - Racing begins!

Shared from Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/100000184976091/posts/4831067650242686/

Info updated 8/25/21

Zucchini races return to the Farmers Market - Sep 10, 2021

"Food insecurity is a silent problem"

"The number of Massachusetts households lacking enough food to get by doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent study from Project Bread.

More than half a million residents, more than a quarter of them children, who are eligible for SNAP, or food stamps, don’t receive benefits for the nation’s No. 1 anti-hunger program, according to the research by Project Bread, a Boston nonprofit that works to end hunger in the state.

“The cycle of hunger, it definitely is real,” said Erin McAleer, president and CEO of Project Bread, which surveyed more than 800 Boston residents in partnership with the city’s Office of Food Access and UMass Boston’s Center for Survey Research."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/08/22/metro/hungry-mass-households-doubled-during-pandemic/

Direct link to the Project Bread study updated in Aug 2021

https://www.projectbread.org/research/barriers-to-snap

"Food insecurity is a silent problem"

A related article from The Washington Post based upon census data

"Hunger around America is improving, compared with a month ago, according to the most recent U.S. census data. But food insecurity has a long way to go before returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Self-reported food insecurity for the week ending Aug. 2 was at its lowest levels since the start of the coronavirus pandemic for households with children, according to the census data. That dovetails with strong jobs numbers, stronger economic growth and other bright spots in the economic recovery.

But food stamps enrollment is still way up, 2 million more than last year and 6 million more than in 2019. And food banks are still seeing dramatically more need than during pre-pandemic times." 

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/08/23/hunger-pandemic-food-stamps/

"it is best to approach conflicts over speech as teachable moments"

"IN JANUARY, a few Northampton middle school students, perhaps emboldened, maybe bored, after nearly a year of remote learning, projected images of the Confederate flag as their computer screen backdrop during virtual classes. Perhaps it was a political statement, or maybe a poorly considered joke. Whatever the intent, it did not go unnoticed. The school’s principal, Desmond Caldwell, asked the John F. Kennedy Middle School community to not display or wear the Confederate flag in school, saying it disrupted learning and made some students and staff feel attacked and unsafe. 

Caldwell’s plea did not end the issue. The issue exploded with an anonymous social media post attacking the principal. Middle and high school students in the Western Massachusetts city then led a demonstration in front of the JFK School, supporting Caldwell and calling for the school district to take action. The Northampton School Committee obliged in March, banning the display of the Confederate flag in all schools, joining its neighbor Easthampton and a few other school districts across the country that have deemed the symbol an impediment to learning and banned its display outside of classroom instruction. 

If the move put Northampton ahead of the pack in clamping down on hate symbols, the left-leaning college town of 28,000 is now poised to go several steps beyond that. In September, the School Committee will take up a proposal to ban two other symbols of hate — swastikas and nooses — while also establishing a wide-ranging system in which various types of bias can be reported and investigated. It would make Northampton the only community in the state, and possibly the only one outside of Oregon, to enact such a far-reaching, anti-bias policy. "

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/no-place-for-hate/ 

Franklin has a Freedom Team to promote "Unity in the Community"

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-launches-freedom-team-to.html

https://www.franklinfreedomteam.org/

Time for Ice Cream! 2

Let’s Get Social  (almost!)
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director   08/22/2021

Our Socially Distant Ice-cream Social is still on for Wednesday at Davis Thayer. The fun days of Summer are winding down, and you can get vaccinated and get free ice-cream – before school starts. The weather is also looking good. Sunny and high 80’s. Perfect ice-cream weather.

Vaccinations for 12 and older, plus masks all contribute to our lower rates of COVID infection. Massachusetts is fairing better than many states thanks to the hard work of our local and state officials. We can all help ourselves, our families and our friends by embracing the notion that public health is more important than the minor inconvenience of masks and the extreme assertion of individual rights.

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item
A. EBCFA Masks-Face Coverings

The line item (A) above was one of several topics at a recent School subcommittee discussion. These are usually low-key, even sleepy affairs. Even though they are posted and open to the public, they take place to almost no one’s attention or concern, but this one produced a surprisingly virulent response over masking. Chambers was at capacity, with an additional remote 200 participants on Zoom.

The findings of this subcommittee will be taken up at the next School Committee meeting on August 24, 7 PM, and as usual, Franklin.TV will cover it live, and also make it available for On Demand replay.

In the meantime, do consider wearing a mask as an act of civic kindness, and getting vaccinated. We're doing all we can to help out. At our Vaxx and Ice-cream Social – we’re all chill.

Please register to be vaccinated  (either Pfizer or J&J): https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/covid-19-mobile-vaccination-clinic

And –  as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching. 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TbZFTL9-y8N2uXNLnKwxwkhFhqStWgEO/view?usp=sharing

Ice Cream Social and Vaccine Clinic - Aug 25

FM #588 - The Franklin (MA) DPW Water Series 07/15/21 - P1 of 3

FM #588 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 588 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. 

We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St. This is one of three in a series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water Dept. 

Part 1 - approx. 30 minutes

• A brief on Doug and Jake’s Franklin ‘story’

• New treatment plant, now operational, treating Wells 3 and 6; Well 6 is really a well field (of six separate wells)

• Difference between registration and permitted amount to draw

• Overall well status and supply (well summary on water report)

• Water conservation measures are a ‘forever’ thing right? (per the permit from DEP)

• Town wells draw from 40-50 feet where most private wells can draw from a 300-500 foot depth; if you have a private well, please put out a sign if you use it for irrigation

• Finances on water rate and sewer rate calculations, aside from private wells and septic systems, it is usage based billing

• Fire Dept working very closely with them on hydrant maintenance and water pressure opportunity areas to work towards an increase in the ISO certification for the Fire department; hydrant signage being added to help especially when out communities respond to help

• E-coli hit on well 2A, notification only discussed; test result was from the ‘raw’ side of the water, not the ‘treated side’ of the supply; “the ground is just a big old filter, and when you get 6-8 inches of rain the ground just can't handle it”

• The process worked, the testing and system ensures good water is being delivered all the time

• PFAS testing currently State funded; testing at parts per trillion, not million as with most other; PFAS is pervasive; Testers can’t use Teflon pans or Tupperware before taking test sample (to avoid contamination of the sample)

The show notes include links to the Franklin Water Dept. page and other references.

Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn all about Franklin’s water supply.

Audio File -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a7deabf6-08b9-41d8-820c-8bee1aa437db

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

Water Sewer Division - https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division

Water Smart program ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/welcome-watersmart-program

Consumer Confidence Reports -> archive   = https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/consumer-confidence-reports

Consumer Confidence Report for 2020 us what we walked through during the conversation

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/franklin_ma_ccr_2020_web_final.pdf

-----------

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 #588 The Franklin (MA) DPW Water Series 07/15/21 - P1 of 3

Register O'Donnell Promotes Suits for Success Program

After taking a hiatus from collecting clothing donations during the COVID-19 pandemic Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reaffirmed the Registry's 100% commitment to support the highly successful Suits for Success program in partnership with Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill's & MainSpring of Quincy and Brockton the Boston Veterans Administration's Healthcare System Voluntary Service Program and InnerCity Weightlifting.

"By just looking in your closet or bureau," noted Register O'Donnell, "you can make a world of difference in someone's life." Your donations of business appropriate clothing through the Suits for Success program provides opportunities to men and women looking for employment.

Register O'Donnell went on to explain, "People who are attempting to re-enter the workforce need to make a good initial impression, whether it's attending an interview or their first day on the job. I hope local residents and businesses will consider making a clothing donation to this worthy endeavor. The program is truly needed, and it's a great resource in helping people enhance their opportunities in life."

Our participating agencies have requested that all donations of business appropriate attire for men and women must be clean, no stains, in style, on hangers or neatly folded. The donation may also be placed in either re-useable tote bags, or green plastic bags. Suggested donations include suits, dress shirts, pants and ties for men and dresses, suits, blouses, skirts and pants for women.  Since the Registry started the Suits for Success program in February of 2009 it has collected more than 9,000 articles of clothing. 

To contribute, individuals need to bring their donated clothes to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street in Dedham between the hours of 9:30am and 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. If you reside in the Quincy area, you can drop off clothing directly to the Interfaith Social Services office located at 105 Adams Street, Quincy between 8:30 and 3:30 Monday through Friday, and until 7:00 pm on Tuesdays.

Register O'Donnell concluded, "During the past decade, we know that Suits for Success works.  The program has given many people the confidence to take the next step in their lives.  It can continue its successful mission with your generous help."

For more information about the Registry of Deeds' Suits for Success program, or to schedule a drop-off time, please contact Alicia Gardner at (781) 461-6101 or by email customerservice@norfolkdeeds.org. Please prepare a list of the donated items along with your name and address so that we may provide you with a charitable tax deductible receipt.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

 

Register O'Donnell Promotes Suits for Success Program

The Franklin DPW is looking for 2 candidates for their Heavy Motor Equipment Operator positions

The Franklin DPW is seeking candidates with a CDL license for the Heavy Motor Equipment Operator (HMEO) position. For more information regarding the two vacancies or to apply, please visit our website:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-july142021.pdf

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/4429657217118714/

The Franklin DPW is hiring 2 for Heavy Motor Equipment Operator positions

MA Dept of Higher Ed: strengthening campus response to sexual assault

MA Dept of Higher Ed (@MassDHE) tweeted Fri, Aug 20, 2021:

"As students return to campus, MA has a new law on the books to strengthen campus response to sexual assault. Details in the new DHE Forward: https://t.co/Hkp01vY9me "

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassDHE/status/1428780159465836549?s=03

As students return to campus, MA has a new law on the books to strengthen campus response to sexual assault

“The Seven Types of Abuse” - Part 4 of the series

Another episode of “The Seven Types of Abuse”. Check it out now ⬇️⬇️. Or go back ⬅️⬅️ and watch the first three episodes.

Video link ->  https://youtu.be/5vdLSb88lq8

All Episodes can also be found on the SAFE Peer to Peer YouTube 📺 channel as well. -> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrkhxAELvHg6_EtYx0HuNhQ/videos

Shared From Facebook ->    https://www.facebook.com/safecoalitionma/posts/2315275431935983

Virus theory vs politics: "unlikely hard answers will be provided this week"

"If Joe Biden’s security staff are up to the mark, a new report on the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic will be placed on the president’s desk this week. His team was given 90 days in May to review the virus’s origins after several US scientists indicated they were no longer certain about the source of Sars-CoV-2.

It will be intriguing to learn how Biden’s team answers the critically important questions that still surround the origins of Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Did it emerge because of natural viral spillovers from bats to another animal and then into humans? Or did it leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology? And, if so, had it been enhanced to make it especially virulent?

These are important questions – to say the least. If we want to prevent another pandemic, it would be very useful to know how this one started. However, given the paucity of new information Biden’s team will have unearthed over the past three months – while the Chinese authorities have continued to provide little extra data – it is unlikely hard answers will be provided this week."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/22/the-wuhan-lab-leak-theory-is-more-about-politics-than-science