Saturday, July 16, 2022

MassCEC Seeks Participants for Decarbonization Pathways Pilot - converting from fossil fuels to green energy



 
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking around 30 homes to participate in the first cohort of the Decarbonization Pathways Pilot. This new pilot will offer technical support, generous financial incentives, and performance monitoring to implement high-efficiency decarbonization measures. This is a great opportunity to get the technical support and financial assistance to bring your home into the 21st century!
 
Please consider applying and share this opportunity with your network. If you have any questions, please contact us at buildings@masscec.com.
 
MassCEC is accepting application between July 15, 2022 and July 31, 2022. 

MassCEC is specifically looking for participants who intend to install whole-home heat pump systems within the coming year and are interested in completely eliminating fossil fuels from their homes during the pilot. We will also be looking for geographic, income, and building type diversity within the cohort.
 
Learn More & Apply
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Our mailing address is:
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
294 Washington St.
Suite 1150
Boston, MA 02108

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda - Jul 19, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin School Committee
July 19, 2022 -7:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Ms. Spencer
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer
C. Payroll Ms. Stokes
D. FHS Student Representative Comments
E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Franklin Education Foundation Update - Mrs. Carlucci & Mrs. Trahan

III. Discussion/Action Items - None

IV. Discussion Only Items - None

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
(i) I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 14, 2022 School
Committee Meeting as detailed.
(ii) I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the June 14,
2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
(iii) I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 27, 2022 School
Committee Meeting as detailed.
(iv) I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the June 27,
2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. Declare Surplus
I recommend approval to declare the list of Jefferson Elementary School books as
surplus as detailed.
C. Jefferson Gifts
I recommend acceptance of 2 checks totaling $2,217.14 as follows:
Jefferson PCC - Field Trips $1,813.14
Jefferson 5th Grade Celebration Committee - Supplemental Supplies $404
D. Music Gifts
I recommend acceptance for two checks totaling $3,239.48 as follows:
$ 846.48 Students Field Trip
$2,393.00 Gate MS Spring Concerts In-house enrichment
E. Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,015.00 from the Class of 1972 for a
scholarship as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment


Meeting packet folder -> 

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda - Jul 19, 2022 - 7 PM
Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda - Jul 19, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin, MA: School Committee Workshop - Jul 19 at 6 PM

Franklin School Committee
Tuesday, July 19, 2022 - 6:00 PM
Municipal Building – 3rd Floor Training Room


AGENDA

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

I. School Committee Goal Setting Workshop

Adjournment



Franklin, MA: School Committee Workshop - Jul 19 at 6 PM
Franklin, MA: School Committee Workshop - Jul 19 at 6 PM

035 - Frank Presents - Caron Grupposo - a discussion on diabetes (audio)

In this episode, Frank Falvey is joined by Caron Grupposo, a registered nurse at Milford Regional Physician Group teaching diabetes education, to help support patients with diabetes. The two discuss what is diabetes, warning signs, treatment and how Caron educates and cares for patients.

Audio file -> https://frank-falvey.captivate.fm/episode/035-frank-presents-caron-grupposo

035 - Frank Presents - Caron Grupposo - a discussion on diabetes (audio)
035 - Frank Presents - Caron Grupposo - a discussion on diabetes (audio)


"State officials are reminding the public to limit outdoor watering"

"The lack of rainfall over the past four months is being felt across Massachusetts, as 90 percent of the state is now experiencing drought conditions, officials said.

On July 12 Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Bethany Card declared that there was a “significant” drought in the Connecticut River Valley, central, northeast and southeast parts of the state, and a mild drought in western Massachusetts, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard.

According to the latest map from the US Drought Monitor, the northeast part of the state is experiencing severe drought conditions. That level of dryness means specialty crops can be impacted in both yield and fruit size; trees become brittle and susceptible to insects; fish kills occur; wildlife move to farms to find food; water quality becomes poor; groundwater declines; and irrigation ponds dry up."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

The State of Mass drought status page -> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-status 
 

"State officials are reminding the public to limit outdoor watering"
"State officials are reminding the public to limit outdoor watering"

Call 988 - Mental Health Emergency Line activates on July 16, 2022

"The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline activates their new Mental Health Emergency Line tomorrow. If you or someone you know is suicidal or struggling with a mental health crisis, you can dial 988 to be connected to immediate support. There is Hope.

Just call or text 988"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/DSpencerFSC/status/1548091265941614597


Call 988 - Mental Health Emergency Line activates on July 16, 2022
Call 988 - Mental Health Emergency Line activates on July 16, 2022

Franklin Fire Dept takes emergency vehicle driver training

"This week each group went through emergency vehicle driver training through . The training included a classroom presentation followed by each member of the department operating a simulator."

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1547953456190595073 

Franklin Fire Dept takes emergency vehicle driver training
Franklin Fire Dept takes emergency vehicle driver training

Town of Franklin: Legal Notice - FY2021 Tax Taking

Legal Notice FY2021 Tax Taking

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/legal_notice_tax_taking.pdf

Town of Franklin: Legal Notice - FY2021 Tax Taking
Town of Franklin: Legal Notice - FY2021 Tax Taking

Friday, July 15, 2022

Franklin's Event Outlook: July 15, 2022 to July 21, 2022

On the Town Common, the Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common come together with food, vendors, music and movie night ("Luca"). There is also food and music at La Cantina & 67 Degrees. 

Get out and enjoy the local offerings!

Friday, July 15
Art show "Feminine Devine" - Amy Adams (67 Degrees Brewing - check open hours)  
1:00pm - Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)
2:00pm - Farmers Market (Town Common)
3:30pm - Concerts on the Common: Matt Zajac  (Town Common)
4:00pm - Food truck: Yai's Thai Truck (Town Common)
4:30pm - Raina’s Plate Food Truck (67 Degrees Brewing)
6:00pm - Anna Freitas Trio (67 Degrees Brewing)
6:00pm - Sioo (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
6:00pm - Concerts on the Common: NorthEast Groove (Town Common)
8:30pm - Movie Night: "Luca"  (Town Common)

Saturday, July 16
Art show "Feminine Devine" - Amy Adams (67 Degrees Brewing - check open hours)  
9:00am - Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)
10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm - Library Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)
2:00pm - Supa Dupa food truck (67 Degrees Brewing)
4:00pm - Zach & Robin (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Sunday, July 17
Art show "Feminine Devine" - Amy Adams (67 Degrees Brewing - check open hours)
1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)


The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26


Community Calendar
Community Calendar

Town of Franklin Awarded 150k by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Division

The Town of Franklin has been approved for an award of $150,902 by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Division. The funding will support the following projects proposed in the Town of Franklin’s Green Communities Competitive grant application.
  • $15,000: Town — Electric vehicles (2)
  • $49,514: Horace Mann School — Smart LED lighting
  • $24,895: Horace Mann School — Transformer
  • $12,194: Remington Jefferson School — Transformer
  • $49,299: Keller Sullivan School — Transformer
All of these projects are currently underway and the Town hopes to have all projects completed by December of 2022. 

For more information on our Green Communities status and previous grant awards, please view our green communities page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/green-community

Town of Franklin Awarded 150k by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER)
Town of Franklin Awarded 150k by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) 

Franklin Harvest Festival Sponsorships available for those wanting to make a difference


Bring Attention to your Business
While Supporting the Community
Be a sponsor of this year's Harvest Festival! Your sponsorship will include:
  • Logo listed on all related Promotional Materials, Posters & Signage - (Platinum, Gold and Silver levels)
  • Smaller size logo listed on all related Promotional Materials, Posters, & Signage - (Bronze Level)
  • Name listed on all related Promotional Materials, Posters & and Signage- (Friends Level)
  • Listed in all related Press Releases 
  • Highlighted on Website: franklindowntownpartnership.org 
  • Advertised on local radio
  • Promoted on social media
  • Sponsors get booth at event located on Exclusive Sponsorship Row area of event; Platinum sponsor get two booths
  • On-going announcement of Sponsors by DJ and Band during the Harvest Festival
 
Just email us the sponsorship form and the level you would like to be listed as (see the levels here) and we'll get you on the sponsorship list! 

Please email the FDP office to let us know you'll be a sponsor!
Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org
Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038
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Library Book Sale weekend - July 15 & July 16

Book sale
  • Friday, July 15 ,  1:00-5:00 PM 
  • Saturday, July 16th , 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
  • All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale 
  • Saturday, July 16, from 1:00-4:00 PM
  • Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
  • $5 A Bag
Library Book Sale weekend
Library Book Sale weekend

FHS Boys' & Girls' Basketball Annual Golf Tournament - Sep 26, 2022

Calling all golfers.  Book your foursome to support Franklin’s boys’ and girls’ basketball programs. 

When: Monday, September 26, 2022

About this event

Come join us Monday, September 26 for the FHS Boys' & Girls' Basketball Annual Golf Tournament.
  • SHOTGUN start at 8:30 am, REGISTRATION starts at 8:00 AM
  • GREAT FUN AND GREAT FRIENDS
  • WIN PRIZES!- WINNING TEAM, LONGEST DRIVE, CLOSEST TO THE PIN, RAFFLES, & AUCTION
  • LUNCH INCLUDED ON THE COURSE
Individual & group tickets available.  Register via Eventbrite:    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-franklin-high-school-boys-girls-basketball-golf-tournament-registration-352954304827

 

FHS Boys' & Girls' Basketball Annual Golf Tournament - Sep 26, 2022
FHS Boys' & Girls' Basketball Annual Golf Tournament - Sep 26, 2022

50+: "Discrimination During the Job Search" - Wednesday Aug 17 at 6:30 PM

Southwick Public Library

Presents

 Discrimination During

the Job Search

With

Career Coach Ed Lawrence


Wednesday August 17: 6:30 pm

 

Have you encountered discrimination during your job search?

Would you recognize subtle discrimination against you?

 

Join us as we discuss the many forms of discrimination you may encounter
during your job search.

 

We will define common terms such as prejudice, discrimination, and stereotype. We'll discuss protected groups and self-fulfilling prophecies.

 

You'll hear the cost to society.

 

And most importantly, we'll tell you what can do when you encounter discriminatory practices.

 



Topic: Discrimination During the Job Search
Time: Aug 17, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

To Register:  Send an email to southwicklibrary@comcast.net and say you would like to attend. They will send you the Zoom link.
Yes, it is a Zoom event. Anticipated wrap-up time is between 7:30 and 8 pm.

------------------
Ed Lawrence
Authorized DISC Administrator
Member, CPRW Certification Committee; NCOPE
._,_._,_
50+: "Discrimination During  the Job Search" - Wednesday Aug 17 at 6:30 PM
50+: "Discrimination During  the Job Search" - Wednesday Aug 17 at 6:30 PM

Beacon Hill Updates: MA House passes economic development bill; agreement in principle reached by conf cmte on State budget

"The Massachusetts House Thursday night passed a massive, wide-ranging economic development bill that infuses $4.2 billion into the state economy in the form of tax relief, investments in health care and environmental programs, and support to businesses, as well as a slew of policy changes and earmarks for local projects and programing.

The bill would be paid for by a combination of $2.8 billion in federal American Rescue Plan dollars and expected state surplus money, and $1.4 billion in money the state borrows through bonds.

Much of the spending is meant to target “communities that were hardest hit by the pandemic,” Representative Aaron Michlewitz, a North End Democrat who is the House’s budget leader, said while presenting the bill Wednesday morning. “This is a well-rounded spending package that will help support major sectors of our economy and help us be more competitive with other states.”


"TWO WEEKS INTO the fiscal year, legislative budget writers have reached an agreement on the fiscal 2023 state budget. 

Ways and Means chairs Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and Sen. Michael Rodrigues issued a joint statement Thursday evening saying House-Senate negotiators have “reached an agreement in principle” resolving the differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget. 

“Staff are currently working to complete the work necessary to finalize the agreement,” Rodrigues and Michlewitz said. “We anticipate a Conference Committee Report being filed in the coming days to ensure that the House and Senate can consider the report on Monday in formal session.” 

Note - the headline on a similar article Thursday initially read "Beacon Hell", a typo caught by an eagle eyed reader and corrected online before the Twitter post went out. Unfortunately all the email subscribers got the 'wrong' version'. Spell check won't catch those mistakes. I need to be more vigilant.


Beacon Hill Updates: MA House passes economic development bill; agreement in principle reached by conf cmte on State budget

MA Senate Passes Wide-Ranging Transportation Infrastructure Bond Bill

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed legislation that authorizes more than $10.84 billion in bonds for a wide array of transportation infrastructure projects and initiatives to make the Commonwealth’s transportation system more modern, safe, environmentally sound, and accessible. An Act relative to Massachusetts transportation resources and climate, also known as MassTRAC, ensures that Massachusetts is well-positioned to compete for federal grant opportunities, particularly those dollars available from the federal bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

 

“While repairs to our transportation infrastructure will be beneficial to many communities across the Commonwealth, this bill goes much further than merely repairing but will instead actively transform our infrastructure to be more modern, environmentally sustainable, and regionally equitable,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The support for electric vehicles, regional transportation authorities, low-income fares on public transit, expanded East-West connectivity, and many other initiatives included in this bill will bring benefits to residents, visitors and businesses throughout Massachusetts. I want to thank Senator Crighton for quickly and adeptly taking on the role of Transportation Chair and for collaborating with Senators Rodrigues and Collins as well as so many Senators to produce this comprehensive legislation.”

 

“Today’s passage of this multi-pronged $10.84 billion transportation infrastructure investment package builds on our longstanding commitment to ensure the Commonwealth’s transportation system is more equitable, reliable, safe and modern,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport)Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Going far beyond just roads and bridges, the Senate’s transportation bond bill will stimulate our economy, increase accessibility for our residents, support local businesses, create jobs, and boost economies in all corners of our Commonwealth. Importantly, it also invests in public transit, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, regional transit authorities as well as emissions-free transportation options—like biking, walking, and multimodal investments—which are vital solutions to help us confront our climate challenges and achieve our 2050 net zero goals. I want to thank Senator Crighton for his leadership and hard work on all things transportation, Senator Collins for his meaningful contributions, and the Senate President for her continued vision, leadership and guidance.”


“This transportation bond bill provides Massachusetts with the key to unlock once-in-a-generation federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law,” Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “With these combined state and federal investments, we will be able to complete vital work on our highways, roads, bridges, and public transportation systems, improving mobility for all residents of the Commonwealth.”

 

“This legislation represents a collaborative effort centered on transportation safety, accessibility, and sustainability in a way that is fiscally responsible,” said Senator Nick Collins (D-Boston), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “Due to smart planning and responsible budget management, we are not only positioning our state to remain competitive and prosperous post pandemic, we are able to do so in a way that continues to get a better rate for the taxpayer.”

 

The MassTRAC bill invests billions of dollars in improving, maintaining, and modernizing the Commonwealth’s bridges, roads, and other critical infrastructure, including sidewalks, curbs, parking spaces, and airport improvements. The legislation also takes crucial steps to make the state’s transportation system more environmentally sustainable and resilient to climate change by making investments in emission reduction, low or no emission vehicles for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs), climate adaptations for Massachusetts roads, and support for multimodal transportation such as bike lanes alongside roads. Building on the Drive Act, passed by the Senate in April this year, the MassTRAC bill increases support for electric vehicles for personal, commercial, and governmental use, as well as for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

 

The breakdown of the bond authorizations included in the bill is as follows:

 

  • $3.5 billion for discretionary federal grant projects
  • $2.8 billion for federal highway systems projects
  • $1.375 billion for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) modernization
  • $1.27 billion for non-federally aided roads and bridges
  • $407.7 million for local and regional transportation projects
  • $400 million for MBTA safety projects
  • $275 million for the East-West rail project
  • $225 million for emissions reduction initiatives, including $50 million to support access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure
  • $114 million for airport improvements
  • $85 million for state-numbered routes road pavement improvements
  • $82 million for the industrial rail access program
  • $64.9 million for Regional Transit Authorities’ (RTAs) capital projects
  • $25.5 million for the mobility assistance program
  • $25 million for municipal road pavement improvements
  • $20 million for the Complete Streets program
  • $10 million for the public realm improvement program
  • $1 million for local and regional transportation projects

 

The legislation marks another step towards implementing East-West passenger rail in Massachusetts. In addition to the more than a quarter of a billion dollars that is granted for the project itself, this legislation creates a commission to investigate and report on creation of an East-West rail passenger authority. To promote regional equity and smart, sustainable financing of the transportation system, the bill creates a mobility commission to investigate, study, and make recommendations on the development of regionally equitable transportation pricing, roadway pricing and congestion pricing.

 

In addition to $1.375 billion for modernization of the MBTA, the bill authorizes $400 million for MBTA safety projects and tasks the MBTA with creating and annually updating safety improvement plans.

 

During the debate several notable amendments were adopted. Significantly, one amendment would create a low-income fare program to provide free or discounted transit fares to qualifying riders. Another amendment would require the MBTA to develop and implement short-, medium-, and long-term plans for electrifying the commuter rail fleet. Finally, an amendment was adopted to provide regulatory oversight for electronic bicycles, or e-bikes, to help spur their adoption.

 

A version of this legislation having previously been passed in the House of Representatives, a conference committee will now be appointed to reconcile any differences between the versions of this bill.


The legislation doc can be found -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2989


MA  Senate Passes Wide-Ranging Transportation Infrastructure Bond Bill
MA  Senate Passes Wide-Ranging Transportation Infrastructure Bond Bill