350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, April 6 - hybrid meeting

Please join us for the next meeting of the 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, Thursday, April 6, 7:00-9:00 pm. 

We are excited to announce that this will be a HYBRID meeting. We will meet in-person for the FIRST TIME IN THREE YEARS! If you cannot attend in person, you can join on Zoom.

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, April 6

• Location of the in-person meeting: First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

• OPTION: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88924607755?pwd=bHl1empTRVFxYzdZUmVBSGl1Q0p3Zz09

Meeting ID: 889 2460 7755

Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

As always, we will discuss 350 Mass' campaigns for 2023-24, and review local and statewide developments and opportunities in climate and energy advocacy. 

Earlier this month, 350 Mass selected our campaign priorities for the next two years: Make Polluters Pay, and Emissions Free Buildings. To help all 350 Mass nodes in their efforts, the organization is holding a Campaign Planning Workshop via Zoom, April 12, 6-8 PM. View information and register here.  

Thanks to everyone who participated in last week's special session, Drop the Dirty Banks! We learned how banks are financing and enabling the climate crisis, and discussed how to identify which banks are "dirty" and which are not, and what we can do as individual consumers and as organized groups of citizens. A recording will be available soon.

To learn about actions and events like these, subscribe to the 350 Mass email newsletter. Also, see the Calendar of Upcoming Events on our website.

 

If you have items for this week's agenda or other comments and questions, contact carolyncbarthel@gmail.com and/or ralph.halpern@comcast.net.

 

Thank you. We hope to see you on Thursday, in-person or on Zoom.

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   

MA House acts to extend remote/hybrid options through 2025, awaiting Senate action

"The House bill’s $585 million in bonding authorizations include $400 million for the MassWorks Infrastructure Program and $104 million for the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust.

The House included other MMA priorities — extensions to pandemic-related authorizations that were set to expire within the next month. The bill would:

• Permit remote and hybrid meeting options for public bodies through March 31, 2025
• Permit remote voting options for representative town meetings through March 31, 2025
• Permit reduced quorums for open town meetings through March 31, 2025
• Extend an expedited process for temporary permits for outdoor dining service and to-go cocktails through April 1, 2024

The House bill (H. 58) includes nearly $86 million to address the migrant housing crisis, a slight boost over Healey’s request. The funding would be used to expand shelter infrastructure and the provider workforce. It includes $41 million focused on communities with a large influx of school-aged children due to shelter placement."

Continue reading the article from Mass Municipal Assoc

https://www.mma.org/house-oks-budget-bill-with-pandemic-extensions/

The text of the legislation can be found ->  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H58

 

MA House acts to extend remote/hybrid options through 2025, awaiting Senate action

Redistricting Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, Feb 7, 2023 at 6 PM

Archive of Meeting Slides (Redistricting Advisory Committee)

Redistricting Advisory Committee Kickoff Presentation (November 2022)
Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting Presentation (December 2022)
Redistricting Advisory Committee Presentation (January 2023)

Please note: All scenarios, boundary adjustments and other recommendations are presented in draft stage to the Redistricting Advisory Committee during the analysis process. All recommendations presented are therefore subject to change following feedback from the Redistricting Advisory Committee. Community forums will offer the community an opportunity to provide feedback on scenarios once those scenarios have been refined by the Redistricting Advisory Committee for presentation. Forum dates are scheduled for March 2023. 

Shared from the Franklin Public Schools page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/redistricting-analysis

Agenda doc includes remote connection info -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/redistricting_advisory_subcom_2_7_23.pdf

Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting scheduled for Feb 7, 2023 at 6 PM at FHS Media Center (hybrid)

Some hybrid aspects in new MA House rules set for this next session

"THE HOUSE on Wednesday unanimously adopted its rules for the two-year term that began four weeks ago, agreeing to eliminate a pandemic-era policy that allowed representatives to participate in sessions and vote remotely.

The rules package also outlines a new hybrid committee hearing structure that will allow for both in-person and remote participation from most legislators and the public.

The reforms headlined a package assembled by House Democrats, who rejected amendments offered during debate to give representatives 60 minutes, rather than 30, to review large floor amendments and to publish how representatives vote on bills in committee.

The House rejected nearly every proposed amendment that was not withdrawn and opted to largely stick with the package rolled out by top Democrats on Tuesday."

Continue reading the article online ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/under-new-rules-house-returns-to-in-person-sessions/ 

Some hybrid aspects in new MA House rules set for this next session

Special Guest Franklin Conservation Agent scheduled for Franklin Q&A on Weds, Jan 18 at 11 AM -(hybrid event)

For the first time in 2023, your Franklin questions can get answered in this hybrid session. Either in person at the Senior Center or viz Zoom.

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

With a whole lot scheduled to happen in the Town of Franklin this year, we have a special guest to kick off the session. Franklin Conservation Agent Breeka Li Goodlander will join us to talk about the update to the Open Space and Recreation Plan just getting underway. 

• If you want the Zoom link, please use this form or check with the Senior Center front desk:      https://forms.gle/kferg18KxVKGBAk56  
• Download this flyer as a reminder -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XE8-F_whVzmrihqsVvZ-sDJ7V8woWrYZ/view?usp=share_link

Franklin Q&A scheduled for Weds, Jan 18 at 11 AM - Special Guest Franklin Conservation Agent

Redistricting Advisory Committee meets in hybrid format to review building block components (audio)

FM #902 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 902 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Public Schools Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting held in hybrid format with folks at the FHS Media Center on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 as well as some members who participated remotely.   

Given this was a working session, the major whole group sections of the meeting audio is what is shared here. There is one break in the audio when 

• The breakout discussion was held at each table

The break is indicated by a about 5 seconds of music (replacing about 25 minutes of table discussion) then the group discussion resumes

The edited meeting audio recording runs about 58 minutes. Let’s listen to Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-902-fps-redistricting-advisory-cmte-mtg-12-20-22

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Dec 20 meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_advisory_subcom_12_20_22.pdf 

Presentation doc shared during the meeting ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_schools_redistricting_committee_meeting_presentation_12.20.2022.pdf 

My notes in one Twitter threader document   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qWEoyejx9_i_LDuDAOVUys8OH1EGhl3i/view?usp=share_link 

The photo album shared via Twitter of the pix taken of the meeting and presentation slides   https://photos.app.goo.gl/QyKb2wkFHtqryhC18 

Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Supt Lucas Giguere opens the Redistricting Advisory Cmte mtg

Get your Franklin questions answered Wednesday at the Franklin Q&A - Dec 21 (a hybrid event)

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director, 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, December 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (conf room TBD) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form or check with the Senior Center front desk:      https://forms.gle/m6WuX5PPhsgaDCsc8  

Download this flyer as a reminder -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OYrSNuaO6lGBJkhO8efvLxWREnOv0BoE/view?usp=share_link

Get your Franklin questions answered Wednesday at the Franklin Q&A - Dec 21 (a hybrid event)

Get you Franklin questions answered this Wednesday at the Franklin Q&A - Nov 16 (a hybrid event)

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Please join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director, 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, November 16, 2022 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (conf room TBD) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form or check with the Senior Center front desk:      https://forms.gle/kferg18KxVKGBAk56  

Download this flyer as a reminder -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13P6XJ6OqV5Y4-yJqNG7vn6cHGvfENHKa/view?usp=share_link

Get you Franklin questions answered this Wednesday at the Franklin Q&A - Nov 16 (a hybrid event)

Franklin Q&A is scheduled for Oct 12 to answer your questions (hybrid event)

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Your Franklin questions can be answered in this hybrid session. Steve Sherlock will be at the Senior Center. 

Sign up with this form to participate remotely (via Zoom).

https://forms.gle/6oAKFqqbkH6cjmkD9

The next session is scheduled for October 12, 2022 at 11 AM

Download the flyer as a reminder ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CsnT8SBgfK-dsYH9OVl4WBHbptOX4_eq/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Q&A is scheduled for Oct 12 to answer your questions (hybrid event)

Save The Date! Evening of Inspired Leaders Reading their Favorite Poem - Nov 14 (hybrid fund raiser)

Mass Poetry warmly invites you to join us at the eighth annual Evening of Inspired Leaders an in-person and live streamed event that brings together exceptional leaders from diverse fields to each read their favorite poem and reflect on its connection to their life and work. 

The event will take place on Monday, November 14th from 7:30 - 9 PM at Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA, 527 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116. You can register, become a sponsor, RSVP, and more here, as well as view the attached save the date here with full details. 

Confirmed speakers for this year's event include:

• Lee Pelton | President & CEO, The Boston Foundation
• Michael Bobbitt | Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council
• Dr. Kimberly Frazier-Booth | Instructor, Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers
• Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak | CEO, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts
• Bill McKibben | Author, Educator, Activist, Founder of the Third Act; The New Yorker
• emcee Rupa Shenoy, WBUR reporter  

• Josie Colon | Teen Council Member, Mass Poetry.

The night will be full of inspiring words, surrounded by our community as we celebrate poetry, uplift organizations in Massachusetts and elsewhere, as well as fundraise for our program. 

We appreciate your support and hope to see you there. 

Sincerely, 

Daniel Johnson

Executive Director/Tel: 617-600-6372

Save The Date! Evening of Inspired Leaders Reading their Favorite Poem - Nov 14 (hybrid fund raiser

Get your questions answered at the Franklin Q&A - Weds, Sep 21 - hybrid event - 11 AM

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director, 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.
• Special guest Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen

When: Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (conf room TBD) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form or check with the Senior Center front desk:      https://forms.gle/52iVgVhNdKEa6A5h9 

 

Get your questions answered at the Franklin Q&A - Weds, Sep 21 - hybrid event - 11 AM

Town of Franklin: Board Of Health Mtg - 09/07/22 (audio)

FM #839 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 839 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. One board member was remote, the remainder of the Board and all Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. As one member was remote all votes were via roll call.

The meeting runs about 31 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Sep 7, 2022.

Audio link => https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-839-town-of-franklin-board-of-health-mtg-09-07-22

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

Agenda document ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_09072022_0.pdf  

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v4uwbJtWSPitzWXrTwjWU9X7UBbHicH4/view?usp=sharing 

Franklin Observer reporting on same meeting ->

https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/120640/board-health-meets-new-regional-inspector

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin, MA: Board of Health Meeting - Sep 7, 2022 - 5 PM

Franklin Senior Center - lots of events scheduled for September, check out the newsletter for details!

The Senior Connection September 2022 Newsletter is up! Come check out all the fun programs planned at the Senior Center!  

Call to Register 508-520-4945 #seniorcenter #activeaging https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/

Shared from Twitter ->    https://twitter.com/FranklinSrCntr/status/1564686960215707648

Franklin Senior Center - lots of events scheduled for September, check out the newsletter for details!

One of the activities is the monthly Franklin Q&A session I host to answer your questions on what is happening in and around the Town of Franklin. 

Scheduled for Wednesday, Sep 21 at 11:00 AM. This is a hybrid session. You can participate at the Senior Center, or join via the Zoom link. To get the remote link, use this form to get the mailing list ->   https://forms.gle/msAkPaJjzztdzst96

vyhlif6896/f/uploads/september_2022_final_newsletter_yeah_buddy.pdf

Know someone going to college? Consider the "College Admissions Insights" session scheduled Aug 1 at 1 PM

Know someone going to college?

Is the process anything like when you considered college? Or your kids did?

For answers to these questions, consider joining Allison Sherlock, Director of Admission at Saint Michael's College for an informative session on what the college admissions process is like these days. 

Allison will provide some insights on 
• the application process (now a Common app)
• what the student (and family) should consider in their college search
• lessons learned from reading more than 10,000 college entry essays

When: Monday, August 1, 2022 at 1:00 PM  

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

To attend via Zoom, use this form and we'll email the link  ->   https://forms.gle/8cte5TsuJUB3XkxN8

Who is Allison? (aside from my daughter)

Allison graduated from Franklin High in 2004, earned her BA in 2008 and her Masters in 2016 both at Assumption College.

Allison has worked in admissions at Assumption, MCPHS University, Wheelock College, and for 5 years at Saint Michael’s mostly as a Regional Recruiter, now currently as Admissions Director.

Her full LinkedIn profile can be found online at https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsherlock/

Consider the "College Admissions Insights" session scheduled Aug 1 at 1 PM

Save the date! Zoom Presentation - Discrimination During the Job Search - Aug 17

====================================================

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.

 

To Register: Contact the Southwick Public Library.

Email - southwicklibrary@comcast.net         Phone: 413-569-1221

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

CPRW; NCOPE

Certified Interview Coach

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee

Save the date! Zoom Presentation - Discrimination During the Job Search