Volunteer Needed for the Charles River Pollution Control District Board

The Charles River Pollution Control is in need of a new member! The Board usually meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 PM. If you are interested please apply.

To apply please fill out the online volunteer form

For more information on the Charles River Pollution Control please visit: http://www.franklinma.gov/charles-river-pollution-control


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/volunteer-needed-charles-river-pollution-control

"The Charles River Pollution Control District is a regional wastewater treatment plant located in Medway, Massachusetts. The facility provides tertiary treatment of wastewater and septage from domestic, commercial, and industrial sources from the Towns of Medway, Franklin, Bellingham, and Millis. Septage is also accepted from the Towns of Norfolk, Sherborn, Dover, Wrentham, Weston, Holliston, and Sharon. The treated effluent discharges into the Upper Charles River and is regulated by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit which is jointly enforced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). The facility is designed to treat 5.7 million gallons per day (mgd). 

The Charles River Pollution Control District treats the communities' wastewater by performing several physical, chemical and biological processes before discharging the environmentally safe water into the Charles River. The wastewater is treated to meet the EPA's discharge permit limitations. 

The collection system consists of Town and District owned sewer pipes. The system has over 238 miles of sewer pipes and 37 pump stations, including approximately 13 miles of District owned interceptors and one District owned pump station. 

The District manages a Geographic Information System (GIS) that is used to support the operation and maintenance activities of the Sewer Collection System."

screen image from https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

Charles River Meadowlands Update

Don't Forget to Send Your Comments to Army Corps of Engineers!

* We had a great turnout at the recent US Army Corps of Engineers meeting in Millis on the 19th of April -- about 35 people in total. Among attendees were local legislators from Franklin (Judy Pfeffer) and Bellingham, as well as the Medfield Town Manager and Franklin's Assistant Town Manager Jamie Hellen.

The Corps expressed a clear willingness to work with the towns and the Initiative on access and signage issues. As always, there are many details to be worked out but we had access to several Corps officials and they clearly heard our concerns...

NOTE: The final deadline for receipt of written comments on the US Army Corps Draft Master Plan for the Meadowlands must be received by June 15. Please go to our home page to download copies of both the master plan and the USACE comment form. (www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org).

* We will not be meeting in June and when we resume meeting in July. It will be on a Wednesday night schedule to accommodate those of you unable to make Tuesday evening events. For details, check the website.

Sincerely,

Alan Earls
Charles River Meadowlands

Charles River Meadowlands

ICYMI - Charles River PCD webpage, Grateful Farm plant sale, FHS All Night Party

In case you missed it (ICYMI) from the world of social media, here are some things that caught my eye this week as 'share worthy'

The Charles River Pollution Control District just got a new website! Whether you are on the municipal system or a septic hauler pumps your system, this is where all of your sewage ends up for treatment. Check it out to learn more about what your sewer bill pays for! http://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

Opening day plant sale. Get everything ready for your home gardens. We will be selling vegetable seedlings and herbs. There will be ready to plant seedlings as well as decorative potted plants and hanging planters.
All plants are grown with organic methods so your garden starts chemical free.
Also make great Mother's Day Gifts!

FHS Senior Parents - We are only at 60% paid for the All Night Party. Letters went out on Friday to parents who have not paid yet.
This is NOT a pay it forward event. Lack of family participation directly affects this year's entertainment, prizes and decorations.
Please visit our website at www.fhsallnightparty.com to submit your payment.
You can also send a check to FHS ANP, PO Box 15, Franklin, MA or drop off a check in our box at the high school's main office.
We need to receive all payments by May 19th.
If you have any questions, please send an email to fhsanp@yahoo.com.
Thank you for your attention to this post!

www.fhsallnightparty.com

Shared from a Facebook post

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/1883024045300946/

Charles River Meadowlands Army Corps meeting reminder - Weds - Apr 19

​The public meeting scheduled by the Army Corps of Engineers to discuss their Master Plan for the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area (a.k.a. the Charles River Meadowlands) will be held on Wednesday, April 19 from 5-8 pm at the Millis Town Library, 961 Main St, Millis…This is a unique opportunity to share concerns and views with decision makers at the Army. Please try to be there!

In OTHER NEWS, things are not aligning this year for an EarthDay Walk. SO, we are not doing a walk, cleanup, or paddle on either the 22nd or the29th. Maybe we can pull together something later in the year.​


For more info on the Charles River Meadowlands
https://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

For more info on the Charles River Meadowlands

Related posts
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/04/important-news-from-charles-river.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/03/news-and-upcoming-charles-river.html

Important NEWS from Charles River Meadowlands Initiative

Greetings to all ...

Please note ​

-- We are NOT meeting this week. INSTEAD, we are encouraging EVERYONE with an interest in the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative to ATTEND the Army Corps Master Plan input/review session. This event will be a discussion of the document that will guide the future of these large landholdings in Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway. Let your voice be heard AND show your interest. In the 40 years since the Army Corps got involved, citizen involvement has been almost ZERO…This is your chance.

The event will be held on April 19 from 5-8 pm at the Millis Town Library, 961 Main St, Millis… If you plan to attend, please email alan.r.earls@gmail.com so we have a rough headcount. If we have any updates about this we will post them to the website.

OTHER NEWS:

* Our March Meeting 
We had a very constructive meeting in March and agreed on some specific outreach efforts. One of those efforts was a meeting with Bellingham Town Administrator Denis Fraine. He was broadly supportive and asked us to suggest some first steps and priorities relating to signage or possible parking and access points. We hope to have a similar meeting with other towns soon.

* EarthDay Walk 
Sue and Paul Sager have graciously offered to lead a trail walk (and cleanup) on Earthday in Franklin. We will probably schedule this for Saturday morning, April 22, leaving from the end of White Avenue with a rain date of April 29. No "paddle" event has been scheduled yet but we are working to get a waterborne activity of some kind.

* The May 2 Meeting will be held at First Universalist Society, Franklin, at 6:30

Question, comments, suggestions? 

Please contact Alan Earls, alan.r.earls@gmail.com or visit www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org

https://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS TO THE MASTER PLAN CHARLES RIVER NATURAL VALLEY STORAGE AREA

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, is updating the existing Master Plan at its Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area flood risk reduction project. The project is located along parts of the Charles River and its tributaries in eastern Massachusetts, and is an element of the Thames River Basin comprehensive flood risk reduction plan. As shown on the attached map, the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area is located in Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties.

The purpose of the study is to assess natural resources of the project, determine regional needs and public desires, and develop an overall land and water management plan for the project.

The Master Plan draft proposal can be viewed at the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area website: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Flood-Risk­-Management/Massachusetts/Charles-River-NVS/

A public meeting to discuss proposed updates to the Master Plan and to provide public officials and concerned individuals the opportunity to give input to the process will be held beginning at 5 pm. on April 19, 2017. The meeting will be held at the Town of Millis Public Library, 961 Main Street, Millis, Massachusetts. If you are unable to attend the meeting, information or assistance in updating this Master Plan can be provided through the Project Manager, Joseph Zanca, at (978) 318-8419, by email at: joseph.l.zanca@usace.army.mil or at the following address:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District West Hill Dam,  WFD and CRNVSA 

Attn: Joseph Zanca, Project Manager

518 East Hartford Ave. 

Uxbridge, MA 01569

All comments must be received by close of business on Thursday, June 15, 2017.

the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area is located in Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties

News and Upcoming Charles River Meadowlands Initiative Meetings

We have four news items to share:

#1 

The Boston Globe's Hattie Bernstein recently profiled the Initiative: http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2017/02/17/this-land-protected-but-can-people-reach/uh2PYr2vBlI2nuaj4FwkfO/story.html

#2

Our next meeting will focus on continued outreach across Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway as well as the US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan draft (see more below). The meeting will be held Tues Mar 7, 6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA. RSVP if you can -- but come even if it is a last minute decision.

#3

The Army Corps of Engineers requested a written response to their draft Master Plan for the Charles River Valley Natural Storage Area (which includes the large land parcels in Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway.) 

A summary of the response follows:

Those of us who are involved with the initiative deeply value the presence of the Corps and its efforts to preserve and maintain these lands for flood control, conservation, and recreation. We are anxious to encourage the governments of Franklin, Bellingham, and Medway to work together with each other and with the Corps to protect and manage these lands and adjacent areas while taking steps to improve public access. Our primary focus is on Area M and Area S as described in the Master Plan. More information about our efforts is available at www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org.

Regarding the draft Master Plan, we would like to offer the following comments:

* We note that Section 1.1 states the CRNVS Project was authorized as "a multi-purpose project for flood control, recreation, and natural resource management under the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-251).

* The importance of the recreational component to the CRNVS Project is touched upon at many points in the Master Plan but, in general, with few specific actions defined. The primary exception to this is with regard to hunting and fishing; for which purposes management responsibilities of fee simple properties have long been ceded primarily to the Massachusetts Fish & Wildlife Department (sic) [recently renamed Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, we have been informed]. Section 3.2, Natural Resource Objectives, ties this trend to natural resource management goals, noted above, stating, a primary aim as being to "Promote the public's use of the project for both consumptive (hunting) and non-consumptive (bird-watching) uses."

* We note that a broader treatment of "recreation" is to be conditioned by the other two foundational goals (flood control and natural resource management).

* Regarding section 2.4; we agree that the sections of CRNVSA lack adequate parking as well as signage and trail access.

Therefore, we would like to request that the Master Plan incorporate recognition of the following needs.

* Since the establishment of the CRNVSA, the communities closest to the source of the Charles have undergone dramatic growth. Franklin, for instance, has approximately quadrupled in population. This growth has been accompanied by a dramatic loss of open space and passive recreation opportunities.

* In keeping with the three part mission of the CRNVSA, we believe it would be appropriate for the Master Plan to include more specific goals and actions related to enhancing public access to Corps fee simple lands, including:

* More and better signage. There is no visible indication of the Corps' presence on either the Bellingham or the Franklin side of I-495 for passing motorists. This is the most visible and substantial presence the Corps has in this general area. Making the CRNVSA visible here would be strategically beneficial because it would inform citizens and influence land use and planning in the three towns about which the Charles River Meadowlands concerns itself.

* Create goals in cooperation with local communities, specifically Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway, to provide access to and through CRNVSA lands, linking whenever possible with trails and access points on town owned lands.

* Provide leadership in connection with utilities utilizing rights of way on or adjacent to CRNVSA properties so as to encourage the developments of Right of Way (ROW) trails and paths.

* Ensure that USACE personnel have a clear mandate through the Master Plan to balance the three goals of CRNVSA, namely flood control, recreation, and management of the natural environment.

* Ensure that local communities and stakeholders are informed of and involved with future planning and management initiatives involving the CRNVSA.

We appreciate the opportunity to share our concerns and voice in this process and look forward to working with the US Army Corps of Engineers to bring about the most beneficial operation of the CRNVSA in coming years.

******************************************

#4

IMPORTANT - April 19 from 4-8 at Millis Town Library, the Army Corps of Engineers is holding a public meeting to discuss the master plan...PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND.


--
Alan R. ​Earls
Charles River Meadowlands Initiative​

Office: 508 528 6930
Cell Phone: 508 560 3786
Email: alan.r.earls@gmail.com

one of several photos of the meadowlands in snowy winter

“There were several hundred acres and few access points"

"Like the majority of his constituents in Franklin and Medway, state Representative Jeffrey Roy is a frequent traveler on Interstate 495, the heavily traveled highway that bisects his district. 

But it wasn’t until two years ago, when Roy and another lawmaker met with Franklin resident Alan Earls, that he came to appreciate a stretch of woods and waterways between Exit 17 in Franklin and Exit 18 in Bellingham that spans both towns and a section of Medway. 

“I never knew some of the richness of the land, the history, how the trolleys traveled between Franklin and Bellingham 100 years ago,” said Roy, a Democrat who has lived in Franklin for 31 years. 

A year after their tour, Earls launched the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative, a grass-roots group formed to draw attention to the tracts of land — more than 400 acres in Franklin, about 350 acres in Bellingham, and another 50 in Medway — that are protected by the Army Corps of Engineers and open to the public."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2017/02/17/this-land-protected-but-can-people-reach/uh2PYr2vBlI2nuaj4FwkfO/story.html

For more about the Charles River Meadowlands project follow the news as I can share it here. 

Visit them at their website  https://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Come to a future planning meeting to help the effort:

* Tues Mar 7, 6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA
​*  Tues Apr 4, 6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA
​*  Tues May 2, 6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA

one of several photos of the meadowlands in snowy winter

Exploring the Charles River Meadowlands

On Jan. 31, the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative (www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org) led a group of activists, local officials from Bellingham, and legislators Jeff Roy and Kevin Kuros to discuss plans for 2017 as well as a long term vision for the area. 

The group started on Pearl Street in Bellingham where the town recently demolished an industrial facility and removed a mill dam, opening up access to a section of the Charles River. Later, the group visited two sites in Franklin that provide direct access to the Charles River Meadowlands and could become starting points for trails and bike paths in the future.

"The crucial thing we focused on today was the ways in which each of these areas along the Charles or its Mine Brook tributary can be linked, bringing our communities closer together, providing recreation, and even offering alternative transportation routes to shopping and entertainment," said Alan Earls, founder of the Initiative.

The next meeting of the Charles River Meadowlands initiative will be in the Dean Room of the First Universalist Society, Franklin at 262 Chestnut St, Franklin at 6:30 PM on Feb. 7. We will discuss these goals and we will be looking for help identifying access points and existing trails and planning more meetings with officials.

​For further information, contact Alan Earls (alan.r.earls@gmail.com)

Members of the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative met with officials from Bellingham and state legislators on Tuesday (Photo courtesy of Marjorie Turner-Holman)

Charles River Meadowlands Meeting - Feb 7, 2017

Greetings to All:

Please mark your calendar for Feb 7 – our next meeting. 

We have now posted our 2017 Planning Document at the home page (www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org). 

The document looks at achievable activities for the year ahead including signage, trail mapping, etc. as well as meeting with relevant officials. 

At our meeting (6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA) we will discuss these goals and we will be looking for help, for example, identifying access points and existing trails and planning meetings with officials. Please try to attend.

​For further information, contact Alan Earls (alan.r.earls@gmail.com, 508 528 6930)​

image from Charles River Meadowlands webpage

For easy reference, the 2017 Planing document can also be found here

In the News: School Committee faces budget issues, meadowlands goals set

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Members of the School Committee this week urged State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, to review the way schools are funded in Massachusetts. 

Roy, a former member of the committee, attended the group's Tuesday night meeting to provide a summary of his priorities for the coming legislative session. 

Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley noted that the effort to reform the formula by which a district's foundation budget - or the minimum that it can spend - is determined began in the early 1990s, and asked Roy why there had not been more progress since then. 

"Everything is now changing, and not to the inexpensive side," O'Malley said. "How do we get the urgency of our voice to the state house?"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170111/franklin-schools-seek-budget-help

site of the Horace Mann statue to be unveiled on May 7

"A local volunteer group is seeking help from several towns in its efforts to help protect and promote the Charles River Meadowlands. 

The group decided at a meeting this week to adopt a plan that includes goals for the land, which is spread out over several pieces of property owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The meadowlands - located in, among other towns, Bellingham, Franklin and Medway - were purchased as a buffer to absorb river flooding. 

Alan Earls, who is leading the local effort, said the plan was developed over the course of many meetings. 

"It's based on feedback we got from people, including town committees, town planners, the people who attended our meetings and abutters," he said. "We want to see the land preserved, managed and made more accessible."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170111/franklin-group-creates-plan-for-charles-river-land

Reminder: Two speakers about walks in future and walks today

Just a reminder that The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club next event is this Wednesday, January 11. We are hosting two local speakers; local Author and Community Volunteer Alan Earls will update us on the Charles River Meadowlands. He will talk about the over 500 acres of open space that make this one of the great land preservation and management opportunities in our region. 

Also, local Author and Historian Marjorie Turner Hollman will introduce us to a treasure trove of outdoor recreational opportunities in our area. She has authored books highlighting easy walks and hikes in our locale. She will share her knowledge of hidden gems in our area waiting to be explored.

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. 

We meet upstairs at 7:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

even in the snow, the woods are lovely at DelCarte

Related post

• 2nd edition of Easy Walks with links to three easy walks in Franklin

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/2nd-edition-of-easy-walks-in-ma-now.html

Charles River Meadowlands meeting, Tuesday, Jan 10

​Welcome to 2017 – The Year of the Charles River Meadowlands!

We are starting off with a meeting next week, Tuesday night, Jan. 10, at 6:30 PM, Dean Room, First Universalist Society. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA.

This will be a chance to get a first look at the Charles River Meadowlands Plan – a document that is an outgrowth of meetings and conversations with federal, state, and local officials as well as public comments solicited at our September meeting. This is still a draft, so your comments and ideas are critical. Based on comments and feedback, we will be sharing the document widely and using it as a template for action starting in February.

Please make an effort to attend, even briefly, on Tuesday. Should the weather seem threatening, please feel free to call my cell phone – 508 560 3786 for updates...

Sincerely,

Alan Earls
Charles River Meadowlands initiative

www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org

map of the Charles River Meadowlands

PS: Be sure to mark our upcoming meetings on your calendar!

• Tues Feb 7
• Tues Mar 7
• Tues Apr 4
• Tues May 2

Franklin Newcomers: January 11 - Earls and Hollman on Outdoor Activities

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club welcomes you to our next monthly meeting. On Wednesday, January 11th we are pleased to host two speakers. 

• Local Author and Community Volunteer Alan Earls will update us on the Charles River Meadowlands. He will talk about the over 500 acres of open space that make this one of the great land preservation and management opportunities in our region. 

• Also, local Author and Historian Marjorie Turner Hollman will introduce us to a treasure trove of outdoor recreational opportunities in our area. She has authored books highlighting easy walks and hikes in our locale. She will share her knowledge of hidden gems in our area waiting to be explored.

clouds on the surface at DelCarte

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. 

We meet upstairs at 7:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club

Additional info on the Charles River Meadowlands can be found online
http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Additional info on Marjorie can be found on her webpage
https://marjorieturner.com/

"return the river to a more natural, free-flowing state"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town started removing the Pearl Street Mill dam this month - an effort that advocates claim will improve the health of the Charles River. 

State officials and river advocates believe that the project marks the first time an undamaged dam has been removed along the river's span. 

Alex Hackman, of the Division of Ecological Restoration, said the state office is supporting Bellingham in the project. Dams hurt a river's health by creating stagnant, warmer water, he said. 

"With most dams, you see consistent symptoms," he said. "They back up the water, creating an artificial pond, and tend to settle out sediment. Over time, the sediment causes the water to get shallower, warming the water."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161230/setting-free-charles-river-in-bellingham

Charles River Meadowlands & #GivingTuesday

Season's Greetings to All,

We have some great news to report. I recently had a follow-up meeting with the Board of Metacomet Land Trust. They have been supportive of the Meadowlands initiative from the start, particularly Susan Speers and Larry Rettman, who have attended all of our meetings and provided much valuable advice. Since we are not a registered 501 (c) 3 it is not really appropriate for us to raise funds to help with the Charles River Meadowlands initiative. 

However, Metacomet has indicated a willingness to continue to work with us. So, if anyone is willing or able to put a few dollars behind their commitment to the Charles River Meadowlands vision, the best way to support us is by either joining Metacomet or by sending along a donation and indicating that your gift should be applied to the Charles River Meadowlands project.

Today, "Giving Tuesday," is an especially appropriate day for taking action. Metacomet Land Trust joins with charities around the country to encourage giving through the #GivingTuesday campaign. Metacomet will be able to set up an earmarked account to support the endeavor. At the very least you will be helping the most active, independent voice for land protection in our area. Please go to metacometlandtrust.org for more information or simply donate here.

In other news, we had a very useful "workshop" in September at the First Universalist Society in Franklin. This meeting brought together town officials, planners, and others and generated useful input for a "vision" document. In early November I also met with the board of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee to apprise them of our efforts and to open the door to coordinating our efforts in the future.

Last but not least, our legislators, Jeff Roy and Kevin Kuros are continuing to monitor the funds earmarked for this project in the state budget in an effort to get them moved toward the right people.

We will resume meeting monthly in the new year, at 6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA.

The dates we have lined up are:

• Tues. Jan 10
• Tues. Feb 7
• Tues Mar 7
• Tues Apr 4
• Tues May 2

In the event of inclement weather, feel free to call my cell phone – 508 560 3786.

Sincerely,

Alan Earls
Charles River Meadowlands initiative
www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org

Charles River Meadowlands

The Metacomet Land Trust website can be found  http://metacometlandtrust.org/

REMINDER -- You are invited to the Charles River Meadowlands Workshop, 9/27 6:30 pm

Don't miss the upcoming Charles River Meadowlands workshop on Sept 27 starting at 6:30 at the First Universalist Society, Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street. 

The event will provide an overview of the 500 acres of land protected by the Army Corps of Engineers in Franklin, Bellingham, and Medway and the nearby and contiguous town parcels that help make this one of the great land preservation and management opportunities in our region. 

A brief panel discussion will highlight models and opportunities for collaboration between towns and federal, state, and local government. The evening will then include a workshop section, where everyone will have an opportunity to air and share ideas, concerns, etc. 

For more information, please visit www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org or contact Alan Earls, alan.r.earls@gmail.com, 508 528 6930. Metacomet Land Trust has provided technical assistance in helping this initiative get off the ground.

http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Social Media Roundup: scam alert, drug that kills, rain garden tour, golf fund raiser

Items that I saved from my Facebook feed that seemed share worthy. You likely realize that everyone's Facebook feed is unique to themselves. What you see is not what someone else sees. The continuous Facebook algorithm changes makes it hard for groups to get their message to a broad audience without having to pay to "boost the post". Hence, from time to time, I'll share what I find that makes sense for Franklin to be aware of.

Scam alert from Franklin Police

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/get-there/wp/2016/08/25/that-is-not-the-irs-calling-you/

Via NPR comes this on the latest in opioid drugs that kill

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/09/02/492108992/an-even-deadlier-opioid-carfentanil-is-hitting-the-streets?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20160902

The Charles River Watershed Association write up of the recent tour of Franklin's rain gardens

http://blog.crwa.org/blog/take-a-tour-of-franklins-best-rain-gardens

FHS boys basketball boosters schedule a golf outing as a fund raiser Oct 8th

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-franklin-boys-basketball-alumni-and-friends-golf-tournament-registration-27345808048

sun rise on the Town Common

In the News: Charles River Meadowlands, Berry Ins wins award, Charter School opens school year with dogs

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A group of volunteers is looking to raise awareness of and help protect the Charles River Meadowlands, which are several pieces of property owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that border the river in multiple places. 

The group is scheduled to hold a workshop on the topic on Sept. 27, at 6 p.m. at Franklin's First Universalist Society on Chestnut Street. 

Alan Earles, who is helping to lead the local effort, said the land is used to help manage the Charles River. 

"About 40 years ago, the Army Corps of Engineers was trying to solve the problem of flooding along the Charles River," he said. "The traditional way to do that was by using dams but, when the '70s came along, they decided to look at alternatives."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160831/franklin-group-looks-to-manage-charles-river-land

"Berry Insurance in Franklin has earned a 2016 Safeco Insurance Make More Happen Award for its community work with Boston Children’s Hospital. 

The award includes a $4,000 donation to Boston Children’s Hospital from Safeco Insurance. Berry Insurance agent Amanda Spittell, and Boston Children’s Hospital also had a story featured on Safeco.com, which awarded the hospital an additional $1,000. For the hospital to win the extra money, at least 50 different individuals had to leave a virtual “cheer” on the Safeco.com story."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160901/berry-insurance-earns-make-more-happen-award

"The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School started its 2016-2017 year this week, using several methods — including a visit from dogs — to smooth the back-to-school process. 

The school resumed session on Tuesday, said spokeswoman Joanne Basile, with a visit from three "Pawsitive Touch Therapy" dogs — a way to calm those who might feel anxious about the new year. 

"We had a few service dogs on hand to help ease the transition," she said, adding that they were well received."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160901/dogs-inspirational-messages-welcome-students-back-to-franklin-charter-school

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School

News and upcoming events for Charles River Meadowlands

We have two important upcoming events to mention and we would also like to continue to offer kudos to Rep. Roy, Rep. Kuros, and Rep. Fernandes for passing our $25,000 line item!

The long summer included all kinds of action on Beacon Hill. First, the effort to get the line item through both chambers and then, the equally difficult effort to restore it to the budget after Governor Baker removed it. Our friends in the House managed it all!

At present, Franklin Town Manager Jeff Nutting is working with the Department of Fish and Game to try to move forward and ensure that the money is used appropriately.

Locally, we have spent much time meeting (back in July) and planning for our Charles River Meadowlands Workshop, scheduled for Sept. 27 at 6 pm at the First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA 02038. (Thanks to Sue Bencuya for helping with that!). 

The event will include a brief intro and overview for those new to "the Meadowlands" and will then have some presentations about how other similar efforts have been organized in the past. Then we are looking to tap into the "wisdom of the crowd" by engaging everyone present in a lively conversation about what and where to focus, how to move ahead, etc. Please come and bring a friend!

We also have a meeting schedule for Aug. 30, 6:30 pm at the Arcand room of the Bellingham Town Hall. This will mostly focus on planning for the September 27 event. But, as always, everyone is welcome and we are anxious to hear from you.

Finally, kudos for Marjorie Turner Holman, who has helped us get some good visibility in local media, including the Milford Daily News!

Keep in touch. Alan Earls can be reached at 508 528 6930 or via email at alan.r.earls@gmail.com and our Website is updated from time to time, as well: www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org​

image from http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/