Meeting schedule - Information sessions Weds and Thursday

There are multiple meetings this week. The Town calendar provides all the details. I will be reporting on the following:

• School Committee meets Tuesday (7 PM)
• A School Committee budget workshop before their Tuesday meeting (6 PM)
• Town Council meets Wednesday (7 PM)
• A Town Council subcommittee looking at reviewing their procedures manual also before their meeting Wednesday (6 PM)

The monthly Franklin Matters Q&A scheduled for Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM. The meeting is hybrid. I'll be in the Senior Center and also allow for participation virtually via Zoom. Send me an email for the Zoom info. 

The Town Officials and State Rep Jeff Roy will hold their monthly coffee hour at the Senior Center Thursday morning at 8:30 AM. Also a good chance to get some details on any questions you may have.

Town Calendar - https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Meeting schedule - Information sessions Weds and Thursday

Senator Rausch: November Beacon Hill Recap

Policy updates, COVID boosters, and a great start to the holiday season.

View this email in your browser Senator Rausch State House Briefing    Part 2, Chapter 11 (November 30, 2021)    Dear friends,    From our family to yours, I hope you had a restful, restorative, and educational Thanksgiving, and to all who are celebrating this week, happy Chanukah. I wish you a bright, joyous, and healthy Festival of Lights.  Chanukah is about finding light in the darkness. As I reflect on the holiday in new ways and ever-changing circumstances, I hope my service as your State Senator has been akin to the shamash, the helper candle that kindles the other lights. I aim to serve you effectively, support our communities, and ignite a fire within others to get involved in community service and local activism. Nothing compares to the impact of multiple candles working together to light up a room. In this month's newsletter I have plenty of updates from Beacon Hill: legislation on the move, a final redistricting update, COVID-19 booster shots, district events, local elections, and office hours. For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me and my team via phone (617-722-1555) or email (becca.rausch@masenate.gov). We are here to help.     I wish you and your loved ones strength, health, resilience, and joy.     Yours in service,     Senator Becca Rausch    November was jam-packed with policymaking. Here are some legislative updates from the Senate floor: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – The Massachusetts Senate passed a $3.82 billion bill on how to spend ARPA funding coming to our Commonwealth. This legislation will make equitable investments and ensure that communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering broad spectrum supports to health care, mental and behavioral health, housing security, environment, and workforce development.   I secured numerous amendments to this bill that will support our district and the Commonwealth at large, including:  Explicitly requiring that the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund directly support women re-entering the workforce both through upskilling and addressing barriers to entry like transit and childcare Specific language providing for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to manage tree health along the Commonwealth's parkways for human and environmental health and safety  $1,000,000 for post-traumatic stress care for medical personnel   $650,000 for water infrastructure projects in the towns of Millis, Norfolk, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, and Wrentham    $100,000 to renovate North Attleboro's Allen School to create a food pantry regional hub for the town and its neighboring communities $150,000 to support public transit and accessible, affordable senior housing in Franklin $200,000 for a feasibility and design study for a bicycle/pedestrian trail connecting Newton Upper Falls and Needham Heights.  The Senate plan must now be reconciled with the House version of the bill before heading to the Governor's desk.   Office Hours    Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here.     My team and I host virtual office hours every month. Residents from any part of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, as well as residents of the new Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex District (which takes effect in January 2023), are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with me and my team via video chat or phone call. Office hours are available to discuss any matter.          Upcoming virtual office hours:     Friday, December 10, 10-11 AM  Friday, January 7, 10-11 AM  Friday, February 11, 10-11 AM  Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 218                     24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of content, follow this link ->  https://mailchi.mp/8fb5d09292dc/reopeningupdate-15227664?e=0c2c9810fe

Franklin Public Library: Thanksgiving Week Hours

Franklin Public Library Thanksgiving Week Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closing at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, November 24, and closed on Thursday, November 25 for Thanksgiving. The Library will be open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on the day after Thanksgiving. 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/franklin-public-library-thanksgiving-week-hours-0

Franklin Public Library: Thanksgiving Week Hours

Senator Rausch to Host Senior Coffee Hour - Oct 25

SENATOR RAUSCH TO HOST VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR FOR SENIORS 

Seniors are invited for a coffee over Zoom to discuss life  

during the COVID-19 pandemic and current issues on Beacon Hill  

 

Boston, MA – Senator Becca Rausch will host a Virtual Coffee Hour reserved exclusively for seniors of the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District on Monday, October 25th from 10 to 11 AM. During this time, constituents are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with the Senator and her Beacon Hill team. To comply with public health precautions during the pandemic, the virtual conversation will take place over Zoom. Seniors can join the event either via phone or webcam.  

 

"This pandemic has been a difficult time for all of us, but particularly our seniors," said Senator Rausch. "Hearing directly from my constituents is the best way to check on our community members during these difficult times and inform my legislative work in this new legislative session."  

To register for the event, seniors can can access https://tinyurl.com/octobercoffee2021 on an internet browser, email becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or call 617-722-1555 by Friday, October 22nd.  

Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, comprised of Attleboro, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. Senator Rausch serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, National Resources, and Agriculture and the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. 

Senator Rausch to Host Senior Coffee Hour - Oct 25

Senator Rausch to host virtual office hours in October and November

SENATOR RAUSCH ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL FALL OFFICE HOURS 

Senator Rausch (D-Needham) will host her next virtual office hours on Friday, October 9 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am (link here). 

In keeping with best practices and recommendations from public health officials, conversations with the Senator and her staff will  take place via video conferencing and phone calls. 

Residents from any part of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with Senator Rausch and her staff. Constituents may reserve 15-minute appointments in advance at beccarauschma.com/office-hours.  

Senator Rausch will also hold virtual office hours on The following dates: 

• Friday, November 5 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

• Friday, November 10 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

To subscribe to Senator Rausch's newsletter, please visit https://beccarauschma.com/newsletter. Constituents can still contact the Senator and her team at 617-722-1555 or email becca.rausch@masenate.gov to share their opinion on state issues, seek assistance, or schedule a call with the Senator or her staff. Residents can also get live updates from the Senator via Twitter (@BeccaRauschMA) and Facebook (@BeccaRauschMA). 

Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, comprised of Attleboro, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. Currently in her second term, Senator Rausch serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture and the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. 

 

Senator Rausch to host virtual office hours in October and November

Senior Office Hours with Franklin Officials - Sep 16 - 8:30 AM

Please join State Representative Roy and town officials for coffee and conversation this Thursday at 8:30 AM at the Senior Center. There is a lot happening at the local and state level as we continue to turn the corner on the pandemic. Hope to see ya there!

Shared from Facebook -> https://facebook.com/events/s/senior-office-hours-with-frank/826007918084431/  and Town of Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/events/310146

Senior Office Hours with Franklin Officials - Sep 16 - 8:30 AM

Senator Rausch Announces Virtual Summer Office Hours

Senator Rausch (D-Needham) will host her next virtual office hours on Friday, July 16 from 10:00 AM   – 11:00 AM (https://www.beccarauschma.com/office-hours). In keeping with best practices and recommendations from public health officials, conversations with the Senator and her staff will take place via video conferencing and phone calls.  

Residents from any part of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with Senator Rausch and her staff. Constituents may reserve 15-minute appointments in advance at beccarauschma.com/office-hours.  

Senator Rausch will also hold virtual office hours on Friday, August 13 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. 

To subscribe to Senator Rausch's newsletter, please visit https://beccarauschma.com/newsletter. Constituents can still contact the Senator and her team at 617-722-1555 or email becca.rausch@masenate.gov to share their opinion on state issues, seek assistance, or schedule a call with the Senator or her staff. Residents can also get live updates from the Senator via Twitter (@BeccaRauschMA) and Facebook (@BeccaRauschMA). 

Senator Rausch Announces Virtual Summer Office Hours

New York Times: "workplaces in apartment buildings"

"Before the pandemic, Tony Dopazo leased an office in Boston and used co-working spaces in Brooklyn for his company, Metro Tech Services, an IT provider for start-ups and biotech companies. Then the pandemic lockdown forced him, like countless others, to work remotely. That meant he was on the phone with clients from his apartment building, Level, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

At first, with the common areas in his rental building closed by Covid restrictions, Mr. Dopazo, 47, hunkered down in his one-bedroom, which was “brutal,” he said, “everything mish-mashing into one big blob of time.” But after the common spaces opened in September, he started going down to a co-working area in a ninth-floor lounge every day.

The arrangement affords some “mental separation” from his home, he said, and, with other tenants working in the same space, he has companionship. When he needs to print or scan something, he heads to the ground-level business center. If he’s hungry, he returns to his apartment to make a sandwich, and for a break, he can take a dip in the building’s pool."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/18/realestate/coworking-rentals-condos.html

A co-working area on the ninth floor is where Mr. Dopazo often sets up shop for the day.Credit...Tom Sibley for The New York Times

Office hours back at the Senior Center - June 17 - 8:30 AM

Senior Coffee Hour w/ State & Local Officials

Event Date:  Thursday, June 17, 2021 - 8:30 AM

Thursday, June 17 at 8:30 AM at the Center!  

State Rep. Jeff Roy, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Town Council Members will be available to chat and answer your questions.

Office hours back at the Senior Center - June 17 - 8:30 AM

Congressman Auchincloss: Community Office Hours in Franklin this Friday - May 21

Neighbor,  This Friday I'll be hosting community office hours in Franklin and State Representative Jeff Roy will be in attendance as a special guest. This is an opportunity for you to come meet me, talk about issues important to you, and get updates on what I'm doing to serve our community. Details about our visit are below, I hope you'll be able to join me.   Community Office Hours with Congressman Jake Auchincloss and Special Guest State Representative Jeff Roy Friday, May 21, 1-3 pm Intermission Café 36 Main Street (Rear), Franklin, MA 02038 Sincerely, Jake Auchincloss Member of Congress OFFICE LOCATIONS WASHINGTON DC OFFICE • 1524 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515 • Phone: (202) 225-0182 NEWTON DISTRICT OFFICE • 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 • Newton, MA 02458 • Phone : (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO DISTRICT OFFICE • 8 N. Main St. Suite 200 • Attleboro, MA 02703 • Phone : (508) 431-1110 Congressman Auchincloss: Community Office Hours in Franklin this Friday - May 21

Senior Coffee Hour with Local & State Officials - May 20

Senior Coffee Hour with Local & State Officials

This month's Senior Coffee Hour is scheduled for Thursday, May 20th at 8:30 am. 

Please pre-register via this link https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kdu2spjsiGtx0AUbmkjiKA_LqhIZK9G8L

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Shared from the Town of Franklin page - https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/senior-coffee-hour-local-state-officials-0

Senior Coffee Hour with Local & State Officials - May 20

Senior Center - Town Officials, State Rep Jeff Roy office hours - May 20

State Representative Jeff Roy, Town Council Members, and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen will be available to chat, answer questions and provide updates. 

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

When: May 20, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kdu2spjsiGtx0AUbmkjiKA_LqhIZK9G8L

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Senior Center - Town Officials, State Rep Jeff Roy office hours - May 20

Town of Franklin Offices Closed for Patriot's Day - Apr 19, 2021

Town of Franklin Offices Closed for Patriot's Day

All Town of Franklin offices will be closed on Monday, April 19, in observance of Patriot's Day. 

 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page:   https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-offices-closed-patriots-day

 

Town of Franklin Offices Closed for Patriot's Day - Apr 19, 2021

Senior Coffee Hour with Local & State Officials - Apr 22

Senior Coffee Hour with Local & State Officials

The next Senior Coffee Hour with our local and state officials is scheduled for April 22  at 8:30 AM. 

Please pre-register via this link!  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpduuhrTouHNJ6vuunKSDfG5CDExxpgnZi

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Shared from :  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/senior-coffee-hour-local-state-officials

Senior Coffee Hour with Local & State Officials - Apr 22

Town of Franklin, MA: Reminder on lobby hours at the Municipal building

REMINDER: 

 

Current lobby hours at the Municipal building are as follows:
8:00am - 2:00pm Monday - Thursday
8:00am - 1:00pm Friday

The drive-up window is open regular business hours. Lobby hours are posted on our website homepage  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/current-lobby-hours

 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/lEVIRWijjh

Reminder on lobby hours at the Municipal building