Project Envoy's Jane Fulton talks about "eat in, take out, and help out" (audio)

FM #449 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 449 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jane Fulton. She is part of the Franklin Interfaith Council - Food Security Team. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• Project Envoy
• Calendar set for February, March, and April
• Eat in, take out at the restaurant of the day (per calendar)
• This helps out the restaurant during the pandemic
• The restaurant in turn will contribute a portion of the sales to help out the Franklin Food Pantry
• A win, win, win for Franklin

The link to the Project Envoy page is included in the show notes. Our conversation runs about 16 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jane Fulton. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXx1tMqS

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Link to Project Envoy page = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/project-envoy/

Link to February calendar = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Envoy-calendar-February.1.27.21.pdf 

Hashtag your social post with  #ProjectEnvoy  #noonegoeshungryFranklin  

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/ 

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"

Project Envoy's Jane Fulton talks about "eat in, take out, and help out" (audio)

Good news from Teddy Gallagher's GoFundMe effort

 "To All of Our Friends, Family and Loyal Customers,

Joe, Chris, and I would like to thank each of you all from the bottom of our hearts for your loving and generous contribution to the Go-Fund Me. Closing Teddy’s was one of the hardest things we have had to do, it was heartbreaking to say goodbye to our loved and valued employees. Our nephew Ricky Robidoux decided to do this Go-Fund me event and we are forever grateful. Ricky and some of our favorite talented musicians put on one of the best musical performances. During COVID not only have the restaurants been effected but the lives of these musicians has been as well, and during this difficult time they sang their hearts out for us.

Because of all of you, we will be able to re-open Teddy’s!!! We hope to in March, but we will keep you posted to the exact date. As the restrictions lift and more people are vaccinated, and people no longer fear for their safety we will host an event for all our contributors. Joe, Chris, and I would like to thank each and everyone one of you personally. If you posted anonymously, please share your email with us, if you are able.

Once again, words cannot even begin to express how appreciative we are to each and everyone of you. Thank you to the musicians, our friends, our family, our customers, our employees, and our Franklin Community.

With gratitude and all the best wishes…

Joe, Dori, and Chris Gallagher"

Shared from GoFundMe  https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-teddy-gallaghers

Original post here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/gofundme-teddy-gallaghers-fund-raiser.html

GoFundMe: Teddy Gallagher's find raiser

Project Envoy - eat out or take out, and you help out!

 

The Interfaith Council Food Security Team is preparing to launch Project Envoy, a community driven project designed to support local restaurants that in-turn will donate some of their proceeds to the Franklin Food Pantry.

Project Envoy starts Feb. 1 and runs through April 30.  

As of this week, the following restaurants are participating: Rome, Acapulcos, Intermission Café, Franklin Central Pizza, George’s Pizza, Dacey’s Market & Deli, Santa Fe, Rhapsody’s Victorian Coffee House, King Street Café, Spruce Pond Creamery, and Franklin Pizza and Deli.

Patrons can visit the Franklin Food Pantry site each day to learn which restaurants are participating on what day as well as follow social media channels. The different Faith organizations in Franklin will also share the restaurant schedule.

https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/country-gazette/2021/01/26/franklin-interfaith-council-launches-program-support-local-restaurants-pantry/4268156001/ 

Franklin Food Pantry - Project Envoy page for a restaurant to enroll
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/envoy-program

Download or print a copy of the Project Envoy calendar for February
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Envoy-calendar-February.1.27.21.pdf

Project Envoy calendar for February 2021

Fund raiser for Teddy Gallagher's - Jan 23, 2021

Matt Zajac writes:

"MY FRIENDS....

Another local music venue is in danger... Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub
 is fighting to keep their doors open and could use your help! This Saturday, 1/23, at 3 PM, they will be streaming live from the pub, raising funds to help keep this longstanding Franklin restaurant/bar from having to close.

There will be live music from myself (Matt Zajac), Ricky Robidoux/Dan Sutton  duo, and many more! Please join us from the comfort of your own  living room and support this local business!!!

The event will be streaming live from Teddy Gallagher's  Facebook page where you will be able to donate to the cause!"

Shared from Facebook: 

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4866723210068716&id=100001932546726

Teddy Gallagher's Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teddy%20Gallagher's%20Irish%20Pub/1331198033594995

Fund raiser for Teddy Gallagher's - Jan 23, 2021

Project Envoy: eat out/take out, help out

When times are tough, folks get together to help out. 

Many folks will recognize the Franklin Interfaith Council as the collective of our local houses of worship. Members representing many of the church communities formed a Food Security Team.

The question was: "How to help the Franklin Food Pantry and the local restaurants both of which are being challenged by this pandemic?"

Project Envoy was conceived.

Project Envoy will advertise participation for specials at the participating restaurants. Folks can eat out or take out. A portion of the meal will help the Franklin Food Pantry for a win-win. 

The Franklin Food Pantry will maintain a web page with the participating restaurants and  specials. 

Members of the newly formed Franklin Interfaith Food Security Team have contacted all locally owned restaurants and establishments in Franklin. 

At the moment, Project Envoy has 8 confirmed restaurants enrolled, there are conversations with others underway. 

Project Envoy is expected to formally launch on February 1. You don't need to wait until then. You can eat out/take out and help out now. 

The 8 confirmed restaurants are: Dacey's Market, Franklin Pizza and Deli, Santa Fe, Rome, Acapulco, Franklin Central Pizza; George's Pizza; and Intermission Cafe

The Food Security Team members represent: St. Mary’s Parish, St. John’s Episcopal, Temple Etz Chaim, the First Universalist Society in Franklin, the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, and the Franklin Federated Church.

Project Envoy: eat out/take out, help out

GoFundMe: Teddy Gallagher’s fund raiser

"Teddy Gallagher’s Irish pub has been a staple in Franklin, MA for the last 5 years! They have incredible staff, food, beverages, and an all around great atmosphere.

Due to COVID-19 they have been forced to temporarily shut their doors. They are not sure if they will be able to reopen them.  However, with a little bit of help from us they may just be able to survive.

My Godparents started this place to give the community a place that feels like home. That’s just what it is! They support very young staff who are single parents, students, and thriving young adults.

Let’s try and help out the best we can to keep them afloat! Any little bit will help! I know the goal is high, but let’s face it the sky is the limit!

Please consider keeping this great business open! Thank you all and God bless!"

Shared from the GoFundMe page where you can contribute to the cause:  

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-teddy-gallaghers

GoFundMe: Teddy Gallagher's find raiser

 

FM #406 Town Council Mtg - P2 of 3 - 12/02/20 (audio)

FM #406 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 406 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 2, 2020.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the public was remote via Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the full four hour plus meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the first public hearing on the tax rate and subsequent votes to approve 14.65% as the rate for FY 2021 (1 hour and 5 minutes)
• Second - covers two of the public hearings; the Comcast contract renewal for 10 years, and the bylaw fee adjustment to reduce the fees for next year only to help the local restaurants during this COVID-19 pandemic period (36 mins)
• Third - covers the presentation on the spear phishing incident through to the meeting close. There was a 4 minute recess during this segment, I did remove most of the silence to reduce the time for this segment (where I could) (2 hours and 17 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda.

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Dec 2, 2020. Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8e5fe663-ef08-47af-8d56-36b299ea74c1 

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

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/12-02-2020_town_council_agenda.pdf
 
Agenda details with individual documents  
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-2-town-council-meeting-tax-rate-hearing

Spear phishing update folder
https://franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/spear-phishing

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/town-council-meeting-comcast-contract.html  

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

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/

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"

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen address the Council on the Comcast contract and bylaw fee adjustment

Two Facebook Pages Created to Promote Local Businesses - United Regional Chamber of Commerce is ready to help promote your business

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce (URCC) has created two Facebook pages to promote local businesses – Rally ‘Round the Restaurants and Back to Business. These pages are open to all local businesses (URCC members as well as others) that want to promote how they are innovating to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In these difficult and uncertain times, many local restaurants are struggling, day to day. Local restaurants are welcome to post their specials, events, and hours of operation on the URCC Rally ‘Round the Restaurants page (https://www.facebook.com/United-Regionals-Rally-round-the-Restaurants-109228560731634).  

URCC Rally ‘Round the Restaurants page

Holiday shopping has begun and the URCC wants to help by bringing customers to local businesses. These businesses can post their information including special holiday promotions and sales On the Back to Business Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/United-Regionals-Back-to-Business-106228444403838).

URCC Back to Business Facebook page

The URCC has created these pages to get the word out and to help local businesses succeed.

Please contact President/CEO Jack Lank jack@unitedregionalchamber.org for more information or if you have any questions. He is looking forward to hearing from you to learn about anything that the URCC can do to help local businesses.

FM #367 - EDC Listening Session 2 - 10/19/20 (audio)

FM #367 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 367 in the series.

This shares the Economic Development Committee Business Listening Session #2 that was held on Monday, October 19, 2020. 

The meeting started about 30 minutes late with no explanation as to why. There was an expression of ‘thanks for your patience.’ Two representatives of the Franklin legislative delegation (from the office of Senator Splika and Senator Rausch) were on and left before the meeting was opened.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants in the Council Chambers the remainder participated virtually via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda, future schedule for the listening sessions, and my notes are in the show notes. The recording runs just over an hour and fifty three minutes (~1:53)  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZrzckZK

-----------

Meeting agenda  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/restaurants-hotels-hospitality-business.html

Future schedule of listening sessions
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/economic-developemnt-committee-quick.html

--------------
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/
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"

 

FM #367 - EDC Listening Session 2 - 10/19/20 (audio)

Economic Development Committee: Quick recap of the Business Listening Session 2 - Oct 19, 2020

Quick recap:

• The meeting started about 30 minutes late with no explanation as to why.
• There was an expression of ‘thanks for your patience.’
• Two representatives of the Franklin legislative delegation (from the offices’ of Senator Splika and Senator Rausch) were present early in the pre-meeting and actual meeting
  
• Owner/operators of Hampton Inn, 67 Degrees Brewing Co and Rhapsody Cafe were present to share their stories of struggle to survive

 

 ----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #edcls1019
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edcls1019&src=typeahead_click

Other photos taken during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder https://photos.app.goo.gl/hgVYYxKJC6ShomA8A

• Real time reporting underway for the EDC listening session #edcls1019 Hampton open and underutilized, struggling to make it
• #edcls1019 what can we do to help? #thinkFranklinFirst one thing. Wedding market none existing, sports market little to nothing, Dean closed so no help there... Travel is down, along with excess capacity, a problem...
• Running with 9 employee on desk and a couple of house keepers, limited grab and go, could use the outdoor pool during the summer, others with indoor pools were closed. #edcls1019 extended stay have done better than hotels in this time, due to facilities
• #edcls1019 discussion on hotel tax is a local option, would require legislation to defer. (domino effects to that) (a deviation to this "listening session" by attempting to resolve the issue at hand)
• Suggestion from Lisa/FDP, maybe the ultimate 'staycation' space and coordinate with local restaurants for take out, #edcls1019 FDP working with local papers to get creative for holidays, etc.
• Jack Lank of Chamber touts their Facebook page to 'Rally round the restaurants' https://facebook.com/United-Regionals-Rally-round-the-Restaurants-109228560731634/ #edcls1019 also the chamber has a back to business page same concept wider business spread
• https://facebook.com/United-Regionals-Back-to-Business-106228444403838/ the back to business link #edcls1019 "scare the dark out of the closet"
• Chamber does verify info before posting, did see 24K visitors to social media pages in last several weeks to get info #edcls1019 Taste of the region would have been 35th year
• 67 Degrees had just opened before the super bowl, expedited their growth plan to survive, canning had not been in the plan initially. #edcls1019 initially opened with chips/hummus was good, then shifting to real food becomes a challenge, i.e. food trucks restricted
• Now looking to see what the indoor capacity req would be; currently only have 39, if 25 req that's a challenge. #edcls1019 need servesafe certified, in combo with a caterer? Looking for clarification. Hotels here don't have their own kitchen, King St has been wonderful
• #edcls1019 Bissanti knows of caterers who would stay on site; caterer business is not booming right now. Motion on Town Council agenda to help with food trucks for winter time via the farm license. Local restaurants have been good help but aren't staffed for dual ops
• Food truck serves a different market maybe lunch crowd but different from a dinner at a restaurant. #edcls1019 servesafe certified is a MA requirement. Rhapsody owner present, kinda holding their own doing all they can to stay afloat
• Outside seating will go away with weather, surviving barely. Micro grant application for business with less than 5 employee, still accepting apps. Eligible up to 10K. A lot of work for an admin to do, extra effort, working round the clock #edcls1019 worth effort or waste of time
• Rep Roy these conversations are happening every day trying to figure ways to help #edcls1019 resources are available for help, if you have trouble navigating let me know. Will see what options are for deferral
• Partnership meeting Thursday Nov 5, don't have to be a partner to attend, working on holiday happening ideas, looking to advocate Franklin first. Lighting up Franklin, little money required to get lights on, for downtown and beyond, until March 1 #edcls1019
• Oops, I guess I never signed off formally last night. Hope you all realized that! The meeting was interesting starting 30 minutes, late and all.. catch you next time #edcls1019

 

Quick recap of the Business Listening Session 2 - Oct 19, 2020

Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality Business Listening Session Meeting - Oct 19

Hello!

 

Thank you for your interest in joining our upcoming Business Listening Session on Monday, October 19th at 6:30 pm!  Our focus of the evening will be the Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry.  We are looking forward to hearing from you and learning ways in which the Economic Development Committee and the Town of Franklin can help support your businesses during these difficult times.  We are also looking to the future and hoping to hear feedback and ideas to plan for 2021 and beyond.  

Our goal is truly to listen and learn from our businesses.  We encourage you to come with questions, ideas, strategies, and feedback.

Please find the agenda and meeting links attached  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-10-19_edc_agenda_meeting_1.pdf

Please reach out with any questions.  

Have a good weekend!

 

Anne Marie 

Anne Marie Tracey

Marketing & Communications Specialist

Franklin Public Schools/Town of Franklin

355 East Central Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Email: traceya@franklinps.net

Office: (508)553-4888

School Twitter  School Website School Facebook

Town Twitter Town Website Town Facebook

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/business_listening_flyer.pdf  

Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality Business Listening Session Meeting - Oct 19

In the News: Acapulcos open on Union St; Riley says MCAS resumes in spring 2021

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"New aromas are wafting from the re-done kitchen of a familiar spot on Union Street these days, where the culinary traditions of Mexico have replaced those of Italy.

Acapulcos Mexican Family Restaurant & Cantina is now welcoming diners to its new location in the building formerly occupied by the Union Street Grill, after a move from its previous location one mile away in the heart of downtown Franklin.

The restaurant opened quietly over the summer at 371 Union St. after months of renovation work inside that conveys the atmosphere of a warm and welcoming Mexican hacienda with its saltillo tiled floors, colorfully tiled walls and archways, and displays of Mexican terracotta cooking vessels.

Jesus Ruelas, who operates the restaurant with his wife, Yahilda, said not everyone got the message that the popular eatery moved, and is not a victim of the pandemic, though they have also been glad to see many new faces drop by."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200930/ruelas-family-continues-sharing-authentic-taste-of-mexico-by-open-acapulcos-location-in-franklin?rssfeed=true

 

 

Acapulcos Mexican Family Restaurant & Cantina

Massachusetts students should expect to take their MCAS exams next spring, Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeff Riley said Tuesday.

This past spring, after schools were abruptly forced to transition to remote learning as COVID-19 cases mounted, state officials suspended the MCAS testing requirement for 2020. A federal decision allowing states to cancel tests if they filed waiver requests facilitated that move.

Addressing the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Tuesday, Riley said the federal government has signaled that similar action will not be coming in 2021.

“We have told superintendents very clearly that we do anticipate administering the MCAS this spring,” Riley said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200929/riley-expects-spring-administration-of-mcas-exam/1?rssfeed=true

 

In the News: lock your cars; Venus de Milo to close

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

"A group of organized thieves from Connecticut that targets unlocked cars to steal and to burglarize has hit communities not only in MetroWest and Greater Milford, but throughout the state.

They come quick. They hit fast. And they leave town often before anyone knows a crime has been committed.

A group of organized thieves from Connecticut that targets unlocked cars to steal and to burglarize has hit communities not only in MetroWest and Greater Milford, but throughout the state, as well as Rhode Island and Connecticut."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200915/dont-leave-your-car-unlocked-hundreds-may-be-taking-part-in-wide-spread-car-theft-ring?rssfeed=true

 

 

"Servers carrying massive trays laden with tureens of Venus de Milo soup will no longer be a commonplace sight at SouthCoast celebrations.

Venus de Milo owner Monte Ferris is closing the Swansea banquet facility and putting it up for sale with an asking price close to $5 million. The Venus de Milo soup and other signature fare, including baked stuffed lobster, will still be available through a new company, Venus Foods.

The closure, said Ferris, is a result of the state’s COVID-19 restrictions on social gatherings. With no company holiday parties or New Year’s Eve celebrations in sight, Ferris said he had no choice but to close the banquet facility, resulting in close to 100 people losing their jobs permanently. The staff had already been reduced to bare bones with what he hoped to be temporary layoffs back in March when Gov. Charlie Baker issued stay-at-home orders.

“We do a lot of revenue from that Thanksgiving to New Year’s period. The money was in events, but we do alright with takeout and we’re going to keep takeout going,” said Ferris, adding the COVID-19 pandemic and the results of it have lasted a lot longer than expected. Additionally, faced with huge overhead costs for operating such a large venue, the takeout business, which has been in operation since the shutdown, is slower in the warm weather months."

 Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200915/famed-venus-de-milo-restaurant-in-swansea-to-be-sold-it-is-where-nationally-known-chef-emeril-lagasse-spent-his-early-days-in-kitchen?rssfeed=true

 

In the News: ‘Sons’ rise in Franklin; Gov Bakers extends support for restaurants outdoor dining

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

"Although he has not served in the military, Alan Earls has felt a strong connection to the armed services since he was a kid.

“When I was a child, my dad, and pretty much every adult male I knew, was a veteran of World War I, II or the Korean War,” said Earls. “Later, of course, many contemporaries went off to Vietnam.”

It was a time when, he said, “military service by males was universal and honored.” And while not everyone directly faced peril, “everyone who served played an important role, for limited benefits and modest thanks.”

As the son of a veteran, Earls felt from an early age the importance of always remembering and honoring people — both men and women — who have served, “or simply been ‘asked’ by their country to serve.” 

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200910/sons-rise-in-franklin-legion-post-75-relaunching-support-group?rssfeed=true

"Vittorio Ettore’s restaurant, Bistro 5, was “basically 100% empty” at 7:30 p.m. on a Friday when a city official happened to stop in and suggested Ettore needed a patio.

Ettore was skeptical of the idea at first, he recalled Thursday. His Italian restaurant is at a busy intersection, and with the West Medford commuter rail station nearby, overlooks steady train and bus traffic.

“There’s a lot going on in the streets, but she really got me inspired to actually do a small patio, and I have to say, since we decided that evening, within five days, I was able to do business outside, which is kind of incredible,” Ettore said. “We went from doing roughly about under 30 people per week in June and July, which is pretty crazy, to roughly 30 to 40 people a day, so that has changed our business completely.”

Gov. Charlie Baker, Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn and other officials visited Bistro 5 on Thursday, where Baker announced a doubling of the Shared Streets and Spaces grant program from $5 million to $10 million."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200910/outdoor-dining-gets-boost-with-doubling-of-shared-streets-and-spaces-grant?rssfeed=true

FM #341 Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - 9/02/20 (audio)

FM #341 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 341 in the series. 

This session shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, September 2, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The Chair, Melanie Hamblen, opens the meeting. New member Brian Chandler joins the group to replace Eamon McCarthy Earls who is leaving the Council to go to Law School.  

Brief update on re-opening provided at beginning of meeting. Grant application being readied for distribution, possible next week.

Conversation shifts to the market study and picking up on prior meeting discussion of advertising placements at restaurants, adding QR codes to help with finding things, also mention of a “Franklin First” campaign in the works to help foster buying local.

Complete streets and the details around it are reviewed, some of the impact was seen with the work on the Main St and downtown project that was completed a couple of years ago. This would be a policy (not a bylaw) to help address planning for the street to consider all modes of transit (rather than just the auto which is prevalent today).

The recording runs just about 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the discussion from the meeting of the Economic Development Subcommittee.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZXrkRTK

-----
The agenda for the meeting can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/08-20-2020_edc_agenda.pdf

The Market Study
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-economic-development.html 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/edc-meeting-recap-franklin-first-qr.html 

--------------
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/

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"

FM #341 Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - 9/02/20 (audio)

"Fed said that restaurants in Boston are 'faring worse than the rest of the state'.”

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

"Al fresco dining has become an important part of the restaurant industry in Massachusetts, having “dramatically increased” when state government prohibited indoor dining to slow the spread of the coronavirus, analysts at the Federal Reserve Bank said.

In its latest Beige Book, which draws information from banking and business contacts, the Fed highlighted that more than one-third of restaurant sales in Massachusetts this summer came from outdoor dining, which it said “is unusual in Massachusetts where fewer than 20% of restaurants had outdoor dining options before the pandemic.”

While restaurants in coastal areas operated at roughly 75% of typical sales on average through the summer months, the Fed said that restaurants in Boston are “faring worse than the rest of the state.”

Restaurants were allowed to resume indoor dining in June, but many eateries have expanded into outdoor spaces in order to serve customers who might not yet be comfortable venturing indoors for a meal during the pandemic."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200903/fed-outdoor-dining-tied-to-one-third-of-restaurant-sales?rssfeed=true

3 Restaurant is one of several in Franklin offering outdoor dining

Senate Passes Bill to Support Restaurants During COVID-19

Senate Passes Bill to Support Restaurants During COVID-19

Bill allows amending of alcohol licenses for outdoor services

On Monday, July 20, 2020, the Massachusetts State Senate passed legislation to further allow communities and restaurants flexibility during the public health crisis.

The bill, An Act to Address Challenges Faced by Restaurants and other Establishments due to COVID-19, ensures local municipalities maintain flexibility in authorizing restaurants to provide food and alcohol service in expanded outdoor spaces during the COVID-19 emergency through November 1, 2020. This flexibility is currently provided through an executive order issued by the Governor and passage of this law will ensure this practice continues.

"The Senate will remain focused on helping our restaurants and small businesses by lifting barriers as we move forward in this unprecedented public health crisis," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "This bill will help give our restaurant industry another option as they safely welcome their customers back and recuperate from challenges posed by COVID-19."

"This bill will allow restaurants to promote social distancing practices, safely serve more customers and maximize their revenue during perhaps the most challenging economic time in memory for the industry," said Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I applaud Senator Feeney for his leadership in advocating Senate passage of this bill and for his ongoing efforts to urgently address challenges faced by restaurants during this public health crisis."

"The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting mitigation efforts have dramatically affected many industries throughout the Commonwealth. The restaurant industry has been particularly hard hit, said Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. "From local entrepreneurs and chefs, to wait staff, bartenders and other employees, the effect on working people has been significant. We have tried to identify ways in the Senate, working with our local restaurant owners, to mitigate some of the hardships that this industry is facing. It was clear to me that we could take this simple step to cut the bureaucracy involved in serving alcohol on a patio or sidewalk outside the restaurant and offer diners a safer experience as they return to dining out. This is a simple, effective and common-sense move that has been embraced by restaurant owners and municipalities, while keeping workers and diners as safe as possible."

"Massachusetts has more than 16,000 restaurants that employ thousands of people and serve millions of meals, and their survival is threatened by the measures necessary to protect public health due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With projections that as many as 1 in 5 of these businesses may not ever reopen, we must find and provide practical measures that help them through this difficult time," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R -Gloucester). "This legislation will help them capitalize on a desperately needed revenue opportunity with a simple but powerful change in regulatory requirements."

  

The legislation is the latest in a series of bills supported by the Senate during the Coronavirus Pandemic which aim to support businesses while social distancing remains encouraged. The bill now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Passes Bill to Support Restaurants During COVID-19

Senate Passes Bill to Expand Take-Out and Delivery Options in Restaurants

On Friday, July 10, 2020, the Massachusetts State Senate passed bipartisan legislation that gives restaurants more flexibility, and customers more choice, while the Commonwealth continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill, An Act to Expand Take-out/Delivery Options in Response to COVID-19, would allow restaurants to include mixed drinks with take-out and delivery orders. Restaurants were previously authorized by the legislature to sell beer and wine with take-out orders. The bill would authorize restaurants to serve mixed-drinks to-go until the Massachusetts' state of emergency in response to COVID-19, declared by the Governor on March 10, 2020 is lifted.

"The Senate has stood by our small business owners throughout this pandemic, and today's bill provides yet another tool to help the restaurant industry get back on their feet," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "While the work to support our small businesses impacted by COVID-19 continues, I am proud to see this measure advance today. I want to thank Senators Diana DiZoglio, Michael Rodrigues and Joe Boncore for their advocacy and collaboration on this issue."

"The Senate's passage of this bill provides critical relief to struggling restaurants as they work to recover and remain viable in the face of economic hardship," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D - Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "Restaurants have been among the hardest-hit industries during the COVID-10 pandemic, and I am glad - thanks to the leadership of the Senate President, and the advocacy of Senator DiZoglio and others - we are able to provide restaurants with this economic lifeline during this challenging time."

"Since the start of the COVID-19 emergency, I have heard from our local restaurant owners about the revenue that to-go mixed drinks could generate to help them stay afloat and survive the impacts of the shutdown," said State Senator Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen). "While many mom and pop establishments have been able to slowly reopen in recent weeks, they still face significant challenges in their efforts to retain employees and pay their bills. While the legislature does not have a say in the reopening plan during this continued state of emergency, we still have an obligation to use every legislative tool we have to help those that are struggling due to the pandemic. The passage of this bill will greatly help our job creators in the restaurant community, as well as their employees, many of whom have faced challenges with unemployment and uncertainty over whether their jobs will be there for them in the future. I am grateful to my colleagues in the legislature for their support and continued advocacy on the issue. I hope this bill will be signed into law by the Governor as soon as possible."  

"Restaurants and bars are woven into the cultural and economic fabric of our communities," said State Senator Joe Boncore (D-Winthrop). "Allowing for cocktail sales to go will certainly aid in the economic recovery of the unique local and small businesses that make up the restaurant industry in my district, and across the Commonwealth."

Under the bill, restaurants would still be required to verify that customers are 21 or older and mixed drinks must be sold in sealed containers. The legislation requires that mixed drinks be sold exclusively with food, limited to two mixed drinks per entrée, and not more than 64 ounces in total.

The bill is the latest in a series of far-reaching actions by the Senate meant to support small businesses during the COVID-19 public health crisis. The bill now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

FM #309 "Talk Franklin" with Jamie Hellen 6/26/20 (audio)

FM #309 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 309 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about

• Water conservation measures vs. ban

• Virtual Coffee session with Brutus on Tues, June 30, 9:00 AM

• Budgets

• Closing FY 2020, Starting FY 2021

• Re-opening

• Restaurants, July 4 weekend

And close with some comments about Concerts on the Common opening Friday, July 24. Farmers Market will be there in the afternoon. Plans for a movie and a band, with space for the audience appropriately socially distanced on the common. Reinforcing the need for Social distance, face coverings, hand washing, etc to keep re-opening gradually

The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie

Audio link: https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/News-and-Happenings-in-Franklin-eg0dsn/a-a2inm0e



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FY 2021 budget info
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

Water Ban info
https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/water-ban-now-effect

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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/
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!
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Jamie on the FHS field for the Town Council budget hearings