Showing posts with label schedule. Show all posts
Showing posts with label schedule. Show all posts

Sunday, January 7, 2024

Voices of Franklin: ECDC Pickup & arrival schedule changes

Proposed ECDC Arrival and Dismissal Procedure

Good Morning Lucas (Giguere), David (Callaghan), and Paula Marano),

I hope you all had a pleasant and relaxing holiday season.

Our son is currently enrolled at ECDC, so we received the email below this morning (Jan 4, 2024). I worked on developing solutions to drop off/pick up at ECDC while I was employed with the Town, so I fully appreciate the complications involved with developing a safe and efficient solution, however, what is being proposed in this email is not the answer, and quite frankly, exceptionally unsafe.

With respect to this issue, there are two competing interests at play; efficient vehicle queuing and pedestrian safety. The system that has been in place this year to this point results in occasional vehicle queuing issues (impacting convenience), however, it eliminates conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, which in turn provides for significantly enhanced pedestrian safety. The system proposed in the email below does the exact opposite; it sacrifices pedestrian safety for a minor reduction in vehicle queuing complications. The proposed system does not follow any established guidelines or principles regarding pedestrian safety or school zone safety. There is no dedicated crosswalk in this area nor is there sidewalk along the west side of the building. These factors will result in unpredictable pedestrian crossings as pedestrians are not channelized to a specific pathways and crossing locations. In this situation, pedestrians will cross at the most convenient location for them, which is perpendicular to their own vehicle. This creates significant difficulties for drivers as crossings are unpredictable and can occur literally anywhere.

This system also creates hardships for numerous families with students at ECDC. I am confident in saying that multiple families with students at ECDC have more than one young child. The proposed system doesn’t allow for a second (or third plus) child to be safely left in their car seat while a student is dropped off. Under the current system, an individual parent now has to navigate an unprotected and unmarked pedestrian crossing with multiple children. I don’t feel an explanation as to why this is burdensome is needed, however, it doesn’t seems as if this was fully considered. Stating “Never Leave a child unattended in a vehicle” does not address the issue in a realistic fashion and is tone-deaf. A third child will be joining our family this spring, which further highlights the failures of the proposed system. Asking individual adults to wrangle three children across a parking lot is simply unrealistic, insensitive to the difficulty in doing such, and markedly unsafe. Additionally, many students are dropped off or picked up by grandparents who may have difficulty with a longer walk or struggle to safe cross the parking lot with multiple children. Bluntly, the proposed solution is counter to guidance laid out in the FHWA Safe Routes to School Guide (SRTS Guide: Student Drop-off and Pick-up Tools (saferoutesinfo.org)) and accepted civil engineering practice and as such, exposes the school system and Town to significant liability. Has a traffic safety professional been consulted in this matter? Below is the from the SRTS Guide section titled Separating Motor Vehicles from Pedestrians and Bicyclists:

“To further reduce conflicts, school facilities can be arranged to eliminate or reduce the number of children walking through parking lots. Children should walk around parking lots on dedicated walkways or sidewalks. If this is not possible, clearly marked walkways through parking lots with adult or older student monitors should be used, and speed calming treatments such as humps or bumps should be employed in the parking lots.”

If the proposed system is implemented, my family will have no choice but to end our enrollment at ECDC as the proposed system doesn’t allow us to keep our children safe during drop off and pick up. Respectfully, I suggest that a traffic professional with a background in school zone safety be consulted for both short-term and long-term solutions for ECDC drop off and pick up. Realistically, this issue needs a long-term solution, in my opinion an enhanced queuing area, but in the immediacy a solution that doesn’t sacrifice safety for convenience should be implemented. As a father and licensed civil engineer with extensive experience in school zone traffic safety, I implore you to reconsider this proposal and leave the current drop-off and pick up system in place. In my professional opinion, due to the number of un-consolidated crossings and pedestrian-vehicle conflict, it is a matter of time before a pedestrian is injured or killed following this procedure.

Thank you for your time and your attention to this matter.

Jay Mello, P.E.
Franklin, MA

Email with pick up schedule link can be found here

Voices of Franklin: ECDC Pickup & arrival schedule changes
Voices of Franklin: ECDC Pickup & arrival schedule changes

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Trash/Recycling delayed pickup during Christmas week 2023

With Christmas falling on Monday, the trash & recycling schedule is delayed by one day this week. Monday will be picked up Tuesday, Tuesday on Wednesday, etc.

(Note, this will also happen next week with New Year's falling on Monday)

The curbside flyer with full schedule


Trash/Recycling delayed pickup during Christmas week 2023
Trash/Recycling delayed pickup during Christmas week 2023

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Master Plan Update Cmte discusses, Inventory Report, Survey, Outreach efforts, & approves Meeting schedule for 2024 (video)

The Master Plan Update Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Nov 28 at 6:30 PM. 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnMfCfe-RnI

The agenda:
1. Meeting Minutes: September 13 & 27, 2023 & October 25, 2023
2. Subcommittee Updates
3. Existing Conditions & Inventory Draft Report - Discussion
4. Tabling and outreach for Survey
5. 2024 Meeting Dates

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-november_29_2023_0.pdf 


Master Plan Update Cmte discusses, Inventory Report, Survey, Outreach efforts, & approves Meeting schedule for 2024 (video)
Master Plan Update Cmte discusses, Inventory Report, Survey, Outreach efforts, & approves Meeting schedule for 2024 (video)


Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Trash delay for Thursday & Friday this week

via the DPW:
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday so the trash schedule for those normally picked up on Thursday slides to Friday, those on with a pickup scheduled for Friday will slide to Saturday for this week.

Trash delay for Thursday & Friday this week



Sunday, November 19, 2023

Starting Thanksgiving Thursday (11/23/23): Commuter Rail runs "weekend schedule"

The Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23rd as well as on Friday, November 24th.


Affected lines:
  • Newburyport/Rockport Line
  • Haverhill Line
  • Lowell Line
  • Fitchburg Line
  • Framingham/Worcester Line
  • Needham Line
  • Franklin/Foxboro Line
  • Fairmount Line
  • Providence/Stoughton Line
  • Middleborough/Lakeville Line
  • Kingston Line
  • Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Nov 17 2023 06:57 AM


Starting Thanksgiving Thursday (11/23/23): Commuter Rail runs "weekend schedule"
Starting Thanksgiving Thursday (11/23/23): Commuter Rail runs "weekend schedule"

Monday, October 2, 2023

The MBTA's new fall/winter schedule in effect as of Today, Oct 2, 2023

The new Fall/Winter schedule is now in effect on all Commuter Rail Lines with extended late-night service and added peak service on select lines.

Check out your new Franklin schedule before you ride with us: 
https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

 

The MBTA's new fall/winter schedule in effect as of Today, Oct 2, 2023
The MBTA's new fall/winter schedule in effect as of Today, Oct 2, 2023

Saturday, September 16, 2023

DPW sewer line work street schedule for week of 9/18/23

Phase 7 - Sewer Lining Project Continues Next Week! 

Green Mountain Pipeline Services are scheduled to be out working on the following streets next week:
  • Monday, Sept. 18 ~ Main St.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 19 ~ Main St., Corbin St. and Emmons St.
  • Wednesday, Sept. 20 ~ Elwood Rd., Washington St. and Oak St.
  • Thursday, Sept. 21 ~ Beaver St.. and Church St.
Residents will be notified if there will be any disruption to their service.


DPW sewer line work street schedule for week of 9/18/23
DPW sewer line work street schedule for week of 9/18/23

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

MBTA adding trains to the Franklin line during peak periods beginning Oct 2, 2023

"THE MBTA’S commuter rail service operator is preparing to expand service this fall, adding late-night departures from Boston and more trains during peak periods on select lines to meet increased demand.

The commuter rail operator, Keolis Commuter Services, already offers service at roughly one-hour intervals through most of the day. The new schedule, which begins October 2, will add a late train from Boston on weekdays and weekends to accommodate people with unconventional work schedules or those attending late-night events.

On the Providence-Stoughton Line, the last train will now depart Boston at 11:55 p.m., 55 minutes later than the current schedule. Most other train lines will follow similar schedules. The Needham Line, however, is pushing back the last train on weekdays from 11 p.m. to 11:55 p.m., but retaining 10:15 p.m. for the last train on weekends.

Keolis is also adding trains during the morning and evening peak periods on the Lowell, Fitchburg, Franklin, and Worcester lines, reducing the one-hour interval between trains to every 30 to 45 minutes. For example, trains on the Lowell Line will operate every 35 minutes coming into Boston between 6:25 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. and every 30 to 40 minutes departing Boston between 3:55 p.m. and 6:20 p.m."



The NEW Schedules are not yet available but should be posted here when ready     https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

MBTA adding trains to the Franklin line during peak periods beginning Oct 2, 2023
MBTA adding trains to the Franklin line during peak periods beginning Oct 2, 2023


Saturday, September 2, 2023

September 2023 Franklin Library News & Events

September 2023 Newsletter

Library Hours

The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday hours will resume on September 10th, 1:30 – 5:00.

Library News – Browse the library's digital local history collections at the Internet Archive
Learn the history of our town in digital manuscripts! Browse the collection HERE
View town history in digital videos! Access the Stanley Chilson video collection HERE
For a clickable index to Franklin's historic newspapers, record books, documents & maps available online, click HERE

Featured Database

Kanopy

Kanopy is a video streaming service that offers more than 30,000 films, including critically acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award winning foreign films and more! This database includes a specially curated collection for children called "Kanopy Kids" with parental control options. "Kanopy Kids" content is unlimited, and plays don't county against Adult viewing credits. Kanopy is available to Franklin residents only, through our alphabetical list of free online databases: https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/free-online-databases

Museum Passes

Crisp, sunny days ahead! It's the perfect time to the area's most popular museums, aquariums, and more! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.

New Materials

Check out the latest additions to the library's collection!

Book Sale

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, September 15, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, September 16, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, September 16, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program

Volunteer tutors needed! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed!  Volunteer tutors and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the registration form on the library's website.

From Friends of the Franklin Library

Congratulations to all who participated in the Library's 2023 summer reading programs - we hope you had the opportunity to enjoy many new books! The Friends were delighted to support this year's summer reading programs by sponsoring some of the awesome raffle prizes that program participants had the chance to win.

Will you be at the 20th Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 30th? The Friends will be there and we hope you'll stop by our booth to say "Hello!" and pick out a FREE "new to you" book. We will be giving away children's, teen, and adult books while supplies last. We look forward to seeing you there!

Massachusetts Center for the Book 2023 Reading Challenge

September: A Book by an Author with your First or Last Name

Do you have a cozy reading corner you've been wanting to spend more time in? Do you have a group of friends who like to select books together? Maybe a little constraint helps you choose what to read next.

If you are looking for a fun, unique reading challenge to take on in 2023, Massachusetts Center for the Book has you covered.

Check it out today! https://www.massbook.org/readingchallenge

Get the full newsletter for September -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/september-2023-franklin-library-news-events

September 2023 Franklin Library News & Events
September 2023 Franklin Library News & Events

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse adds a show to the 2023-2024 schedule

Did you see the new addition to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse schedule for the 2023-2024 season? Joe Jencks was added to Jan 13, 2024.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse adds a show to the 2023-2024 schedule
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse adds a show to the 2023-2024 schedule


The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. 
Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  
Please visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.



Monday, August 14, 2023

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 14 - 18, 2023

"Time to break out and head to the Franklin Senior Center for some FUN! You don’t want to miss out this week on all the activities we have going on! 
No matter what you like to do we have something for you!"

Check the Franklin Senior Center page for additional info on these events

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 14 - 18, 2023
Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 14 - 18, 2023

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 14
Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 14

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 15
Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 15

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 16
Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 16

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 17
Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 17

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 18
Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 18


Monday, July 17, 2023

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse : 2023-24 Season Schedule


Circle of Friends Coffehouse Schedule 20233-24
View this email in your browser
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse : 2023-24 Season Schedule
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse : 2023-24 Season Schedule
The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Please visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

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Sunday, July 2, 2023

Curbside Trash/Recycling Schedule - Week of July 4, 2023

Notice from the Department of Public Works

Curbside trash and recycling will be delayed one day for Tuesday - Friday (July 4th - July 7th) pick-ups only! Monday pick-ups (July 3rd), will be collected as scheduled.

The Beaver Street Recycling Center will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

The recycling center will be open...

  • Friday, June 30th: 8AM - 3PM
  • Saturday, July 1st: 8AM - 3PM
  • Sunday, July 2nd: 9AM - 1PM

Thank you.

Franklin DPW

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/curbside-trashrecycling-schedule-week-july-4th-2023

Curbside Trash/Recycling Schedule - Week of July 4, 2023
Curbside Trash/Recycling Schedule - Week of July 4, 2023

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Did you see the July 4th Coalition Mailer ?

"The Franklin July 4th Coalition is made up of community volunteers.  Our sole mission is to preserve the annual celebrations for the town of Franklin.  We hope you come and enjoy yourselves.   

We rely entirely on fundraising events and donations to provide the fireworks, music and  events.  

We need your help.  A small tax deductible donation will help us reach our fundraising goal and allow us to keep the celebration an exciting town wide event."

July 4th Coalition mailer - sponsors
July 4th Coalition mailer - sponsors



July 4th Coalition mailer - highlights
July 4th Coalition mailer - highlights


July 4th Coalition mailer - carnival & food
July 4th Coalition mailer - carnival & food


July 4th Coalition mailer - music schedule
July 4th Coalition mailer - music schedule

Visit the page for updates and to donate -> https://www.franklin4th.com/

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Pick up schedule changes for the 4th of July week

Via the Franklin DPW Facebook page ->  

Next week's holiday schedule for curbside trash/recycling pick up and the recycling center!

  • Monday - picked up as normal
  • Tuesday to Friday - delayed ONE day


Pick up schedule changes for the 4th of July week
Pick up schedule changes for the 4th of July week

Monday, June 26, 2023

Yes, there is NO school Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Schools out for the summer, and so is the School Committee. 

Well, almost. The next meeting is late July. (July 25 to be specific per their updated page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/meeting-dates-2023-2024)

Minor nit - once an item is added to the Town/School calendar you get a notification. If an item is deleted (as in a canceled meeting, there is no automatic notification). Someone would need to actually update the meeting with "Canceled" in the headline/title to get a new notification out. This has occurred but not frequently. 

Yes, there is NO school Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Yes, there is NO school Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Friday, June 23, 2023

Commuter Rail notice for Franklin Line - to run a weekend scheduled on July 4, 2023

On Tuesday, July 4th, for Independence Day, the Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.

Affected routes:
  • Newburyport/Rockport Line
  • Haverhill Line
  • Lowell Line
  • Fitchburg Line
  • Framingham/Worcester Line
  • Needham Line
  • Franklin Line
  • Fairmount Line
  • Providence/Stoughton Line
  • Middleborough/Lakeville Line
  • Kingston/Plymouth Line
  • Greenbush Line

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Jun 22 2023 10:00 AM

Commuter Rail notice for Franklin Line - to run a weekend scheduled on July 4, 2023
Commuter Rail notice for Franklin Line - to run a weekend scheduled on July 4, 2023