350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Hybrid Meeting Thursday Night, Jan. 15, at 7 PM

Hi all!

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Hybrid
Meeting Thursday Night, Jan. 15, at 7 PM

Our 350 Mass Franklin Node meeting will be held this Thursday night, Jan. 15th, from 7-9 PM. It will be a hybrid meeting, meaning in-person as well as by Zoom.  In person is preferred if possible.

Meeting Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09 

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274 Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

Our meeting's focus will be on:

•  Discussing the difference between the Mass Power Forward and 350 Mass legislative priorities.
• Preparation for our meeting with Rep. Jeffrey Roy on Friday, Jan 23rd.

Thank you, and hoping to see you tomorrow night  at 7 PM!

With gratitude,

Carolyn, Rand and Steve

508-335-0848 Carolyn cell

Time to get your Franklin (MA) Questions Answered: Weds, Nov 19, 11:00 AM at the Senior Center or via Zoom

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

                How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, volunteer Community Information Director for Franklin Matters & Franklin Public Radio for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

Time to get your Questions Answered

When: Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/Nh8RxkMtG1J1DGwj9

ALERT: 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting NEXT Wednesday, October 15 at 7 PM

Hi all!

Our next 350 Mass Franklin Node meeting will this one time be held next Wednesday, October 15th from 7-9 PM.  It will be a hybrid meeting, meaning both in person at FUSF, 262 Chestnut Street in Franklin, as well as on Zoom for those who can't make it in person.  

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

Meeting Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09
Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274    Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

The reason for the change is that a special No Kings Safety and Security Training will be held in the FUSF sanctuary on our usual meeting date of Thursday, October 16th in preparation for the national No Kings demonstrations taking place Saturday, October 18th.  Some of our members will be attending this training session.

Link to the training for those interested:

https://www.mobilize.us/swingbluealliance/event/851908/ 

Also, for future reference, our regular meetings will remain on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 7:00 - 9:00.  However, the first Thursday will now be Zoom only, and the third Thursday will be hybrid, meaning in person as well as by Zoom.  This is to accommodate another group requiring the Dana Room on first Thursdays. 

Look for our planned October 16th  discussion items in our usual pre-meeting announcement which will be emailed to you on Monday, October 13th.

Thank you, and hoping to see you in person and by Zoom next Wednesday at 7 PM.

With gratitude,
Carolyn, Rand and Steve

508-335-0848 Carolyn cell

ALERT: 350 Mass node mtg this Thursday, June 5, 7-9 PM, & BACKGROUND READING

Dear Greater Franklin node member,

Our 350 Mass Greater Franklin node meeting will be held this Thursday, June 5, 7:00-9:00 pm at the First Universalist Society Franklin (FUSF), 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA. 

It will be hybrid, which means both in-person and by Zoom. To get the most out of the meeting which will include a lot of discussion, I encourage you to attend in-person, if at all possible.

350 Mass node mtg this Thursday, June 5

Meeting Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09
Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274    Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

As some light homework to prepare you for the meeting & to get more out of it, we suggest you look beforehand at the two short summaries linked below, one of the "Roadmap" bill that became law in 2021, as well as Governor Healey's "Energy Affordability" legislation filed in May. That information will guide our discussion:

• Foundation laid by the Roadmap Act

• short summary

• longer summary

• Rep. Cusack remarks

• Gov. Healey's bill & our Save Money with Clean Heat (SMCH) bills

• short summary

• Governor's press release

• longer summary

• SMCH bills

• What should we do now?

OTHER TOPICS:

* Review our upcoming Franklin tabling schedule for Fridays, June 13 and June 27, 2025.

* Reports from Wednesday's legislative briefing & Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy (TUE) hearing

* Updates on protecting democracy

* Other?

Hoping to see you at 262 Chestnut Street in Franklin this Thursday at 7 PM.

With gratitude,
Carolyn and Steve

508-335-0848 Carolyn cell

MMA: "House OK’s bill to extend remote and hybrid meeting authorizations"

"The House today (3/17/25) passed a bill that would extend the authorizations for local boards and committees to hold public meetings remotely or in a hybrid format for more than two more years.

The bill, H. 62, would also extend the remote meeting option for representative town meetings and permit reduced quorums for open town meetings. The extensions would run through June 30, 2027.

In a prepared statement, Senate President Karen Spilka said the Senate and House have reached agreement on the bill and that her chamber will take it up on Thursday."

Continue to read the article online -> https://www.mma.org/house-oks-bill-to-extend-remote-and-hybrid-meeting-authorizations/

The legislation can be found ->  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H62

a Franklin Town Council meeting from Dec 2024 with Zoom as the basis for the Franklin TV broadcast

2 times to get your Questions Answered: Mon, Mar 17 - 6:30 PM at the Library and / or Weds, Mar 19, 11:00 AM at the Senior Center; both with Remote option

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

When: Monday, March 17, 2024 at 6:30 PM  

Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

  Or

2 times to get your Questions Answered

When: Wednesday, March 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Library/ or Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/Nh8RxkMtG1J1DGwj9

Download this flyer as a reminder or to share -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FCj7dKJmAdCgLHYOA4mGelLZJ__B7Qd_/view?usp=drive_link

What do you do when you see a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon?

What do you do when you see a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon? 

"What to do when encountering a #PedestrianHybridBeacon: 

🔴Drivers, slow down on yellow & STOP on solid red. Proceed with caution ONLY if crosswalk is clear on flashing red. 

🚸Pedestrians, wait for WALK signal before crossing, same as at all other crossings." https://t.co/14EFY5DVwZ

Shared from ->   https://x.com/MassDOTSafety/status/1894770910726348872

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in January 2025

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

When: Monday, January 13, 2024 at 6:30 PM  

Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

  Or

When: Wednesday, January 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/ZXRPtwkQC9egWed47

Download this flyer as a reminder ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AonbWBAUi1yfnNITQlDN4rFFFjkF94rV/view?usp=drive_link

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in January 2025

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting scheduled for January 2 at 7 PM

Hi all,

Our 350 Mass Greater Franklin node meeting will be held tomorrow (Thursday) night at 7 PM.

This will be both in-person and by Zoom, with the in-person meeting taking place at First Universalist Society in Franklin at 262 Chestnut Street at 7 PM. The purpose of the meeting will continue to be to review and discuss Monday's Statewide Campaign presentation to help guide us in determining our campaign focus for the foreseeable future.

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

With this additional time we would like all to view the YouTube video of the meeting in advance and take notes on questions and comments you come away with to input our group discussion at our meeting.  This will allow us to expedite viewing of the otherwise 2 hour long video in our meeting, allowing us to simply focus on those portions of greatest import. Here is  a link to the YouTube presentation.

We will share a screen in Zoom to show the YouTube presentation for everyone during our showing, allowing us to pause to discuss points.  Sometimes Zoom running a YouTube video can be a bit choppy. If it doesn't work for you, you can run the recording directly using the link we've provided.

If you can come but you'll be late, that's OK. We'd rather you come if you can. And while the meeting will be hybrid, both in-person and Zoom, it is preferable to be in person for a full-fledged discussion. 

Meeting Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09
Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274    Passcode: 350ma
Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

We will hold our Holiday Party on our Thursday, January 16 meeting, at which time we will finalize our feedback to the Statewide Steering Team for their Wednesday, February 5, meeting to vote on statewide campaign(s). 

We hope this works for you all.

Please join us Thursday 7 PM!

With gratitude,

Carolyn and Steve

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in December

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

When: Monday, Dec 16, 2024 at 6:30 PM  

Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

  Or

When: Wednesday, Nov 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/Ur2r66T8L49UfWpG9

Download this flyer as a reminder ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H7UsI8zAd9SqIOPS_E2pg-SYV7uKR9Yg/view?usp=drive_link

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in December

ALERT: 350 Mass Greater Franklin node MEETING CHANGED from Dec 5 to Dec 11

Hi everyone,

Because of the holidays and the Statewide Campaign presentation being recorded Monday, Dec 9, for nodes to review and discuss to determine our campaign focus for the foreseeable future, we need to change our meeting date.

Ordinarily we'd meet this Thursday, Dec 5, but at our next meeting we need to discuss and provide feedback to the Statewide Steering Team for their Jan 8 meeting to vote on statewide campaign(s).

As our next meeting time, Dec 19, is too close to the busy holidays, Steve and I decided we'd change the next node meeting to be Wed, Dec 11, at 7:00 PM, at First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

If you cannot come Dec 11, please let me know and I'll send the recorded presentation to you (after Dec 9). You can view the recording and either call or email me your preferences and thoughts.

If you can come but you'll be late, that's OK. I'd rather you come if you can.

The meeting will be hybrid, both in-person and Zoom. We should be able to have both options available, but it would be best to be in person for a full-fledged discussion.

350 Mass Greater Franklin node

PLEASE PUT THIS CHANGE ON YOUR CALENDAR!  😁

🧀  🍪 🎄🎄🎄🎄 🍪   🧀  

Also, as the holidays are upon us now, we'll have a little holiday party (we won't be ALL WORK as we discuss the campaign selection), so if you'd like to bring something simple and yummy, either hors d'oeuvres or sweets, to share, that would be fun! Rand and I will bring some cider and cheese and crackers. No big deal! 😁

I hope this works for you all. December is always problematic with families having busy holiday plans! 

Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274    Passcode: 350ma
Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

Please join us!

With gratitude,

Carolyn and Steve

Master Plan committee member to join the Q&A sessions next week (video)

I shared the following to those who are on the mailing list for the Franklin Q&A sessions held monthly. With the Master Plan 'final draft' out for review now & feedback due by Dec 2, it is also important to bring this to your attention.

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

On the "watch list" , you'll recall that we have been following the progress of the Master Plan Update Committee's work. They revealed the goals and objectives a couple of months ago but those were all "motherhood & apple pie" respectfully. The key things to look for would be the action items.

Master Plan process overview, we are at the last steps of review

The action items were just revealed in the final draft. Feedback is due by Dec 2. In addition to the quick review of what has happened in the past month, we'll have a member of the Master Plan Committee for each session to help spend some time on this important planning doc. 

• Melanie Hamblen is scheduled to join us Monday 
• Eric Steltzer is scheduled to join us Wednesday

As we have discussed, the Master Plan outlines the goals and objectives for the Town to take over the next 10 years. With the actions spelled out, we can see if we agree, or disagree, or if there is something NOT in there, propose to add it. For example, are the housing action items what we want & need? 

Master Plan page with education action items

To help with your prep for this opportunity, the link to the "final doc" is provided, as well as the video link to the feedback session held Thursday, Nov 14

• 'Final draft' summary presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/final_master_plan_draft_presentation_11.14.24.pdf
• 'Final draft' doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_master_plan_final_draft_report-nov2024.pdf
• Franklin TV video replay of Nov 14 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIqcphVHN84

The Franklin Q&A sessions are scheduled for

When: Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 6:30 PM  

Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

  Or

When: Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link to participate remotely, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me (shersteve at gmail.com):    https://forms.gle/Ur2r66T8L49UfWpG9

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in November

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

When: Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 6:30 PM  

Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

  Or

When: Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/Ur2r66T8L49UfWpG9

Download this flyer as a reminder ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D_DZ4BNXMkxPAuiKGx0lm6SYtl53BhzO/view?usp=drive_link

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in November

COME to 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node mtg THURSDAY, November 7, 7:00 PM

Hi, everyone!

Our 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting will be tonight at 7 PM! Our meeting will be a hybrid meeting , both in person at 262 Chestnut Street and by Zoom, from 7:00-9:00pm. Please join us!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274    Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

COME to 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node mtg THURSDAY, November 7, 7:00 PM

Items of discussion include:

• Processing the election results
• How we can still work on the climate issue
• Brief update on the Climate Bill in the House
• Save Money with Clean Heat campaign

Come learn what more you can do!  

For more news about ongoing and upcoming events, please sign up for the Climate Weekly email. Also, check out upcoming events on the 350 Mass website.

WE NEED YOUR THOUGHTS AND VOICES, JOIN US!

With gratitude,

Node Co-coordinators 

Carolyn Barthel and Steve Derdiarian

508-335-0848 Carolyn's cell

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in October

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have

When: Wednesday, Oct 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

 Or

When: Monday, Oct 21, 2023 at 6:30 PM  

Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/c5NdGLbg1B53WU1w5

Download this flyer as a reminder ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/12-XmxMNrv31S-wSsmOsmraJAGAVxvTa6/view?usp=drive_link

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in October

Did You Know: You have 2 opportunities to Get your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely, in September ???

What is going on with .... ? 

What happened to ....? 

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Community Information Director (volunteer), for Franklin Matters & Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

•  Steve provides some updates on what's happened over the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

You get two chances to participate in September 

#1 - When: Monday, September 16, 2024 at 6:30 PM  

Where:  via Zoom or in person at the Franklin Public Library 

#2 - When: Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM  

Where:  via Zoom or in person at the Senior Center

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form or or send me an email:      https://forms.gle/46H3gb4FZ4HSvwQJ6

Download this flyer as a reminder or to share

• For Library session  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/10ebLmdYWKkdlEdYhNaDTvoNanTLjiXNH/view?usp=drive_link
• For Senior Center session  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/10eCadwdAPNuSVeusTxCF1iDgnTPYXliF/view?usp=drive_link

You have 2 opportunities to Get your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely, in September ???

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting Thursday, July 18 at 7 PM

Happy Hot July, everyone! Stay cool!

Our next 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting is this Thursday, July 18! 

It will be HYBRID: both by Zoom AND in person at First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, 7:00-9:00pm!

We're coming down to the wire for a climate bill as this legislative session ends July 31! The Senate came out with their strong version in late June and the House is supposed to submit theirs today. 

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting

Here's a photo from our Mass Power Forward march from Boston Common to the State House on Sunday: 

WE CHALKED THE SIDEWALK WITH MESSAGES TO OUR LEGISLATORS TO SEE MONDAY!

WE CHALKED THE SIDEWALK WITH MESSAGES

We'll focus on what the rest of the legislative process is and what important actions we can take before the end of the session in two weeks, ESPECIALLY as Rep. Jeff Roy is so critical to the future of this climate bill as the House Chair of the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee (TUE) and a necessary member of the Joint Conference Committee.

Come learn what you can do!  

THESE LAST TWO WEEKS ARE WHEN THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD IN A SPRINT TO THE FINISH, FOLKS! We must implement phasing out gas, and facilitate fair siting and permitting for electrical transmission infrastructure to get off gas, and pass other major climate actions this legislative session. TIME IS UP! 

For more news about ongoing and upcoming events, please sign up for the Climate Weekly email. Also, check out upcoming events on the 350 Mass website.

WE NEED YOUR VOICES TO PUSH FOR A STRONG BILL! JOIN US!

With gratitude,

Node Co-coordinators 

Carolyn Barthel and Steve Derdiarian

Get your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Wednesday, July 17 at 11 AM

What is going on with .... ? 

What happened to ....? 

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Community Information Director, for Franklin Matters & Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm),  for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

When: Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM  

Where:  via Zoom or in person at the Senior Center

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form or check with the Senior Center front desk:      https://forms.gle/46H3gb4FZ4HSvwQJ6

Download this flyer as a reminder or to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TtkaAUuDNWXSPuEymSFFRUtQ3br-Y4UE/view?usp=drive_link

Get your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Wednesday, July 17 at 11 AM