FM #600 - Franklin's Health Director Cathleen Liberty - 08/31/21 (audio)

FM #600 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 600 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty on August 31, 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 

• Protocol set for COVID-19 exposure

• Public health nurse update

• Metacomet Shared Service grant update

• Tune it out program update

• New podcast coming - “The Topic”

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen

Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f09f57cc-916a-403b-9ba7-a04a3420c2bd

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Health Dept. page https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Board of Health page https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

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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!

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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

Hockomock Field Hockey: Players to Watch in 2021 - FHS

From HockomockSports.com we share the "2021 Hockomock Field Hockey: Players to Watch "  for Franklin High School. Link to the full listing is shared below.

KAITLYN CARNEY, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN

Carney has been a dominant force in the Franklin midfield for each of the past two seasons. Last year, Carney took advantage of the extra space on the field and scored a league-high 15 goals (tied with teammate Amanda Lewandowski) and seven assists. Carney dominates with her aggressive play on both ends of the field, willing to throw her body into the way to prevent attacks and then to do what it takes to get into the dangerous places in front of goal. She plays with an attitude that gives her an edge and her energy is hard for opponents to match, but Carney also has great stick skills and the vision to turn a few feet of space into a great scoring chance for herself or a teammate. With Carney growing into her role in the center this fall, Franklin will be looking to make it three straight league titles.

For the complete listing 
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-field-hockey-players-to-watch-in-2021/

Hockomock Field Hockey: Players to Watch in 2021 - FHS

2021 Hockomock League Boys Soccer Preview - FHS

Via @HockomockSports we share the 2021 Hockomock League Boys Soccer Preview for FHS. Link to the full league preview is found below 

FRANKLIN

2020 Record: 3-5-4

Head Coach: Fran Bositis

"Hall of Fame head coach Fran Bositis is back on the sidelines for his 51st season in charge and he and his Panthers are anxious to get back to normal soccer after last year’s abbreviated season that featured rule changes that altered the game.

Bositis has liked what he’s seen so far in the preseason with the team improving after each training session and after each scrimmage. Having a trio of four-year players is an advantage that many teams won’t have so the Panthers will lean heavily on seniors Terry O’Neill, Tyler Powderly, and Aidan Griffith for their veteran leadership. There are a lot of upperclassman on the roster with seniors Jack Moran, Nelson Martinez, and Kevin Proenca all back in the mix after playing last season.

O’Neill, the 2019 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, is the spine of the team, patrolling the middle of the pitch. We saw early on in his career his ability to get forward and become a scoring threat but he also showed he can sit back and solidify the defensive unit. Both Powderly and Griffith provide a lot of speed on the outside. Junior Trey Lovell and sophomore Rex Cinelli earned some minutes a season ago while Bositis expects junior Will Krysak and sophomore Sean O’Leary to be steady contributors this season.

“I feel the outlook is bright as long as we continue to work hard and look to make small improvements every day,” Bositis said. “I also feel that we have very good senior leadership and that this will be important in helping our younger players develop.”

To read the complete Hockomock boys soccer preview

https://hockomocksports.com/2021-hockomock-league-boys-soccer-preview/

2021 Hockomock League Boys Soccer Preview - FHS

2021 Hockomock Football: Players to Watch on Defense - FHS

From HockomockSports.com we share the "2021 Hockomock Football: Players to Watch on Defense"  for Franklin High School. Link to the full listing is shared below.

MACK GULLA, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

"Mack Gulla made an immediate impact when he joined the varsity program his sophomore year, scoring in the first game of the season back in 2019. He hasn’t stopped making plays for the Panthers since. Gulla has improved greatly in each of the past two seasons and now has a chance at a breakout senior campaign as the Panthers make a push to compete for the Kelley-Rex division crown and a spot in the postseason. He’s a downhill type player on both sides of the ball; he isn’t afraid to run through the defense when carrying the ball and is tough to tackle when he gets going. And from his middle linebacker spot, he attacks the ball carrier and is tough to get away from when he gets his hands on you."

For the complete listing

https://hockomocksports.com/2021-hockomock-football-players-to-watch-on-defense-2/

2021 Hockomock Football: Players to Watch on Defense - FHS

Kevin papa: Coaches Corner 2021 Fall Preview (video)

Guess whose back?? The Coaches Corner 2021 Fall Preview 

@Coach_Bain @jphref @FHSSports @fhs_gridiron @FranklinMatters @FranklinCharger @tommycassell44  @HockomockSports Every Weds 530 PM

video link -> https://t.co/E5wFKCG44W  or here ->  https://youtu.be/uUKP5rzTNf0

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/kevinjpapa/status/1435732784899895297?s=03

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Jobs open for Solutions Extended Day Program

FPS job opportunity alert 🚨 https://t.co/S23idlCGD0

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1435649867758673923?s=03

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Jobs open for Solutions Extended Day Program

Town of Franklin, MA: Job Opportunities in Conservation, Police, DPW, Facilities, and Library

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.  

• TEMPORARY Conservation Agent - Conservation Department  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/temporary-conservation-agent-posting-sept2021.docx.pdf

• Police Patrol Officer - Franklin Police Department - we are looking for officers who have already been trained through the MPTC Police Academy ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/academy-trained-patrol-officer-posting-august2021.pdf
• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works - 2 vacancies  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-august312021.docx.pdf
• Part-time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department   ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/part-time.and-substitute-custodians-august312021.pdf
• Substitute Library Assistant - Franklin Public Library    ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/substitute-library-assistant-posting-august2021.pdf

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.  (https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf)

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe

Town of Franklin, MA: Job Opportunities in Conservation, Police, DPW, Facilities, and Library

Washington Post: "Study sessions, parties and dorm life: How college students can minimize COVID risk on campus"

"College students across the nation are back on campus, bracing for another tumultuous semester amid the spread of the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus.

And as their universities grapple with mask recommendations, vaccine mandates and distancing rules, students are charged with making serious health-related decisions. Health experts have some risk-reduction advice to make those tough calls a little easier.

One health expert said that while no public health precaution is 100 percent effective, layering them offers a solid defense against covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.

“I tell folks: ‘Think of the vaccine like a really good raincoat, but if it’s storming outside, you still need an umbrella if you want to stay dry,’ ” said Henry Wu, assistant professor and senior physician at the Emory University School of Medicine. “And I think right now, we’re storming in most of the country.”

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required) 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/09/08/covid-college-students-faq/

Dean College students are back on campus in Franklin

Your boss isn’t emailing you about a gift card (it may seem like it, but it is not!)

Your boss isn't emailing you about a gift card by Ari Lazarus, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Did you get an email from your boss asking you for a favor? Does your boss need you to send gift cards to pay for an upcoming office party?  Before you go out and pay up, ask yourself: is that really your boss? It could be a scammer trying to get your money.   Read more ->  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/09/your-boss-isnt-emailing-you-about-gift-card?utm_source=govdelivery

LiveARTS: Announcing the 2022 Concert Season!

Presenting Live and in-person concerts! 

Announcing our 2022 Season! Celebrating a return to in-person programming! Sunday,  January 30, 2022 at 3 p.m. LiveARTS String Quartet Gregory Vitale, violin Katherine Winterstein, violin Donald Krishnaswami, viola Jan Müller-Szeraws, cello Program TBA   Sunday,  March 13, 2022 at 3 p.m. Michael Lewin, piano Featuring works by Scarlatti, Beethoven, Debussy, and more! Program subject to change Sunday,  April 24, 2022 at 3 p.m. Annual Fundraiser Concert Nicholas Kitchen, violin Yeesun Kim, cello Ann Sears, piano All Beethoven Program   Be sure to visit our website liveartsma.org  for more information. Season Subscription Rates including the Annual Benefit Concert Still the best ticket prices anywhere! All three concerts for Adults: $85 As always, Students 17 and under are by donation  How to Purchase Tickets Before purchasing, please see Covid-19 restrictions below. Follow this link to our website (liveartsma.org) and use your credit card to purchase your season subscription or tickets for individual concerts. You can purchase a season subscription at the door at our first concert. Tickets for each concert are available at the door. You can write a check to LiveARTS and mail to:  LiveARTS, P.O. Box 678, Franklin, MA 02038   We look forward to seeing you at each of our concerts next season! All concerts take place at 3:00 p.m. in the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin at 262 Chestnut Street. Located in a beautiful natural setting, the Meetinghouse is accessible for all.   COVID-19 Restrictions   By order of the Massachusetts COVID Team, masks are required to be worn at all LiveARTS events, whether vaccinated or not. If you are not prepared to abide by this requirement, please do not purchase tickets. Also please note that due to current attendance restrictions imposed by the Massachusetts COVID Team, a maximum of only 50 attendees is allowed at LiveARTS events.   PLEASE REMEMBER LiveARTS, a Franklin-based chamber music concert series, is dedicated to presenting classical music featuring outstanding Boston-area and national musicians in a local setting. Ticket prices cover a very small part of the expense involved to bring these concerts to you. LiveARTS relies on the generous support of donors to bring world class musicians to the area at affordable ticket prices. Your donation are greatly appreciated! LiveARTS is an autonomous, nonprofit, nonsectarian affiliate of the First Universalist Society in Franklin. Tax-Deductible contributions go directly and exclusively to LiveARTS.  Support the ARTS by Supporting LiveARTS! Copyright © 2021 LiveARTS, Franklin, Massachusetts, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: LiveARTS, P.O. Box 678, Franklin, MA 02038

2021 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview - FHS

Via @HockomockSports we share the 2021 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview for FHS. Link to the full league preview is found below 

FRANKLIN
2020 Record: 6-4-2
Interim Coach: Jodi Klein

Long-time head coach Tom Geysen is dealing with a medical issue, so former JV coach Jodi Klein will take over this season and is emphasizing pressure high up the pitch and keeping possession in attack. Franklin returned to the top of the Kelley-Rex last season and Klein has an experienced squad to work with this fall, as they look to go back-to-back in what should be a wide-open title race.

The Panthers have built a lot of their recent success on a strong defense. This season should be no different. Junior Norah Anderson has been a mainstay in the heart of the back line for the past two seasons and she’ll be joined by junior Reilly Lorenzo and sophomore Maddie Horton. Senior Izzy Arnold and junior Katie Ewald give the Panthers speedy outside backs to provide width in attack and cover in the defensive third. Sophomore Rachel Welch will get the nod in goal after splitting time as a freshman and her reading of the game will help direct the defensive unit.

Franklin’s midfield has the potential to control games. Seniors Stella Regan and Chloe Barca and junior Bridget Leo bring plenty of experience to the middle of the pitch. Each are quick and solid in possession. Juniors Avery Greco and Chloe Stavely and sophomore Selene Hammond will step into the midfield to add depth. The Panthers will be looking to use the speed of the forward line to create chances. Senior Riley Fitzpatrick is the most experienced player up top and sophomore Anya Zub had three goals and four assists as a freshman. Freshman Kelly O’Connor is a new player to watch out for in the forward line.

“This is an exciting season for all of us,” said Klein. “I am a new coach to all of our returning varsity players and any of these girls who have played for me in the past have never played at the varsity level before. We are working through a brand-new system and style of play and we’re all very eager to see what we can accomplish together this season.”

For the full league girls soccer preview
https://hockomocksports.com/2021-hockomock-league-girls-soccer-preview/

2021 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview - FHS

2021 Hockomock League Field Hockey Preview - FHS

Via @HockomockSports we share the 2021 Hockomock League Field Hockey Preview for FHS. Link to the full league preview is found below

FRANKLIN
2020 Record: 11-0-2
Coach: Michelle Hess

Franklin has won back-to-back league titles and enters the season on a run of 30 league games unbeaten (26-0-4) going back to 2018. After graduating 11 seniors from the Hock Cup champions, the Panthers will be inexperienced at several spots this season, but there is confidence in the new players that they can step in and keep Franklin’s impressive run going this fall.

It is in attack that the Panthers will have a lot of new faces, but Franklin coach Michelle Hess sees a lot of skill from the new group, and a willingness to get into dangerous positions. Junior midfielder Kaitlyn Carney is back after tying for the league lead with 22 points last year (15 goals and seven assists). Her aggressive personality will be a major factor in getting the Panthers into the attack. Defensively, Franklin is quick and experienced. Seniors Kate O’Rourke and Kendall Jones are both returning to provide leadership at the back. Senior Jill Fenerty is carrying an injury into the season, but the Panthers will hope she returns quickly.

“We are looking forward to defending our 2-year title and working hard towards a three-peat as champions,” said Hess. “Although we are inexperienced and have some positions to fill from last year, I feel we have players that will step up nicely into their new roles and do a great job.”

For the full league field hockey preview
https://hockomocksports.com/2021-hockomock-league-field-hockey-preview/

2021 Hockomock League Field Hockey Preview - FHS

SAFE Coalition: COVID-19 FREE VACCINATION CLINIC - Sept 13

COVID-19 FREE VACCINATION CINIC

View this email in your browser Join us next Monday! COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC Over 12 years old? Worried about coming for a second dose? We have you covered! FDA Approved Pfizer AND J&J will be available! REGISTER HERE! https://app.blockitnow.com/consumer/jricovid/provider/0b4691db-82bb-460f-bcd0-876f5012e662?fbclid=IwAR01FPXfKT-VN61OxjoqziQpBXbaVoTxCJkfwizSHyELSiQfwooI_kCm8rs Copyright (C) 2021 SAFE Coalition. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: SAFE Coalition PO Box 434 Franklin, MA 02038-0434

Franklin Fire: retired Firefighter Richard A. Leitch, Jr

The Franklin Fire Department regrets to announce the passing of retired Firefighter Richard A. Leitch, Jr. Firefighter Leitch served on the department for over 23 years.  Obituary - Norton MA - Norton Memorial Funeral Home https://t.co/YfjF8dBh58

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1435375025339645957

Franklin Fire: retired Firefighter Richard A. Leitch, Jr

"These groups weaponize the very openness of government to undermine government"

 

“The backlash” begins an opinion piece in Newsweek by Parents Defending Education outreach director Erika Sanzi, and these may be the most accurate two words published by those who are attacking “wokeness,” gender studies, and Critical Race Theory. The sad fact is that white backlash has a proven record of effectiveness in American politics and it is once again being employed in the service of right wing corporate interests. The end product desired has less to do with CRT than with spreading disruption, fear, and chaos across America’s most important democratic public institution, schools.

According to the Washington Post, as of June 24 CRT (a theory developed in law schools and not well known among most Americans) has exploded on Fox News. The term was heard on Fox only 132 times in 2020 but has been mentioned 1,860 times this year, escalating month by month. The narrative is that grassroots parents groups have discovered the threat CRT poses to their children in schools and have arisen organically across the country to form local parent groups, a movement noticed and captured by websites and the powerful Fox News. The truth is that of an oligarch-funded and coordinated campaign using time tested techniques.

Follow the Money

Over the past five years I’ve been following “education reform” groups created by billionaire investors with names like Families for Excellent Schools, Massachusetts Parents United, and National Parents Union which have presented diversity as their public face while attacking teachers. So when I saw the launch of Parents Defending Education on March 30 I took note because it follows a different path: white backlash aimed more at school boards, superintendents, and principals. The first thing to do when evaluating these groups is always, follow the money. "

Continue reading the article online ->
https://www.masspoliticsprofs.org/2021/09/03/the-corporate-critical-race-theory-attack-chaos-is-the-product/

The COVID-19 pandemic ends when?

"It’s basically over already. It will end this October. Or maybe it won’t be over till next spring, or late next year, or two or three years down the road.

From the most respected epidemiologists to public health experts who have navigated past disease panics, from polemicists to political partisans, there are no definitive answers to the central question in American life: As a Drudge Report headline put it recently, “is it ever going to end?”

With children returning to classrooms, in many cases for the first time in 18 months, and as the highly contagious delta variant and spotty vaccination uptake send case numbers and deaths shooting upward, many Americans wonder what exactly has to happen before life can return to something that looks and feels like 2019."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required) 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/covid-how-will-it-end/2021/09/04/44bdd69a-fed7-11eb-a664-4f6de3e17ff0_story.html 

What we know and don't know does change, the CDC has the record of the current status  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

The COVID-19 pandemic ends when?

Wirecutter: DIY emergency kit for the auto

Don't buy a prepackaged emergency kit. The ones we've looked at either leave out important items, include things you may never use, seem poorly made, or cost too much.

You're much better off creating your own emergency kit. Here's how: https://t.co/GCYaUETEYT

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/wirecutter/status/1435298104287322114?s=03

Wirecutter: DIY emergency kit for the auto

Townwide Curb event - Sep 25-26

"Place all of your gently used or unwanted items on your curb and let the treasure hunting begin! 

Everyone would be responsible for removing any unwanted items from their curb after the event."

Shared from Facebook; follow the event for updates

https://facebook.com/events/s/franklin-town-wide-curb-event/171303848467844/

Townwide Curb event - Sep 25-26