In the News: storm, Warren, Cinderella, gardeners

Crews prepared for a large storm

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Warren aims to be first Mass. woman sent to U.S. Senate

by Chris Burrell

Crossway Church to present unique version of ‘Cinderella’

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin Garden Club seeking new members

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Update: Franklin schools to open Tuesday

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT"
Date: Oct 29, 2012 8:33 PM
Subject: Update

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Evening- At this point we have been advised the severe aspects of the storm are over. All school facilities have power and we anticipate all schools will open on Tuesday. However, this status could change and we will  continue to consult with Public Safety and Facilities personnel through the night. We do not have information on the status of roads If our status changes we will send out a message between 5:30 and 6:00 am.  We understand that some homes may not have power and that there are trees and power lines down in several neighborhoods.  If school is open and you feel you do not want to send your children to school we respect your decision as parents/guardians. Storm related absences will be excused. Thank You and Stay Safe, Maureen  This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

MBTA: All Modes of Service - All Lines/Routes

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Oct 29, 2012 8:59 PM
Subject: All Modes of Service - All Lines/Routes

Regularly scheduled MBTA service to resume at the start of service Tuesday, October 30, 2012, with the exception of Providence/Stoughton Line.

For updates, check MBTA.com/weather. 10/29/2012 8:53 PM

Hurricane Sandy Update

Good Evening.  This is Communications Director Gary Premo calling with updated information on Hurricane Sandy.  Reports are the brunt of the storm will felt locally for the next several hours.  Please report any power outages directly to National Grid at 1-800-322-3223 or 1-800-465-1212.  If you encounter a downed wire outside, assume it is LIVE and STAY AWAY.  National Grid is reporting approximately 800 customers without power in Franklin, and are actively working to restore power.
Thank you for listening.  Stay safe.  Good bye.

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN.  

Google's Hurricane Sandy Map

Google has prepared this map of Hurricane Sandy




http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/new-crisis-response-maps-feature.html

School Closings/Hurricane Sandy Update October 28 2012

The following Town Departments are CLOSED tomorrow, October 29th:  Municipal Building, Library, Recreation Center and the Senior Center.  ALL public schools in Franklin, as well as Tri County Voc, are CLOSED tomorrow, Monday October 29th. Trash/recycling pickup delayed one day.  Do NOT leave your bins out tomorrow. Hurricane Update High Wind Warning URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA 139 PM EDT SUN OCT 28 2012 ...DAMAGING WINDS LIKELY ACROSS MUCH SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND MONDAY AND MONDAY EVENING... .HURRICANE SANDY WILL CONTINUE TO TRACK NORTHWARD ALONG THE EASTERN SEABOARD TODAY...BEFORE TURING WEST AND MOST LIKELY MAKING LANDFALL IN NEW JERSEY LATE MONDAY. ITS STRONG WIND FIELD WILL EXPAND NORTHWARD INTO SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND MONDAY AND MONDAY EVENING...LIKELY RESULTING IN WIDESPREAD DAMAGING WINDS AND POWER OUTAGES ACROSS MUCH OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND. STRONGEST AND MOST DAMAGING WINDS WILL OCCUR ALONG THE COAST INCLUDING CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS. MAZ006-007-013>024-RIZ001>008-290145- /O.CON.KBOX.HW.W.0004.121029T1000Z-121030T1000Z/ WESTERN ESSEX MA-EASTERN ESSEX MA-WESTERN NORFOLK MA- SOUTHEAST MIDDLESEX MA-SUFFOLK MA-EASTERN NORFOLK MA- NORTHERN BRISTOL MA-WESTERN PLYMOUTH MA-EASTERN PLYMOUTH MA- SOUTHERN BRISTOL MA-SOUTHERN PLYMOUTH MA-BARNSTABLE MA-DUKES MA- NANTUCKET MA-NORTHWEST PROVIDENCE RI-SOUTHEAST PROVIDENCE RI- WESTERN KENT RI-EASTERN KENT RI-BRISTOL RI-WASHINGTON RI- NEWPORT RI-BLOCK ISLAND RI- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...LAWRENCE...GLOUCESTER...FOXBORO... NORWOOD...CAMBRIDGE...BOSTON...QUINCY...TAUNTON...BROCKTON... PLYMOUTH...FALL RIVER...NEW BEDFORD...MATTAPOISETT...CHATHAM... FALMOUTH...PROVINCETOWN...VINEYARD HAVEN...NANTUCKET...FOSTER... SMITHFIELD...PROVIDENCE...WEST GREENWICH...WARWICK...BRISTOL... NARRAGANSETT...WESTERLY...NEWPORT...BLOCK ISLAND 139 PM EDT SUN OCT 28 2012 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM MONDAY TO 6 AM EDT TUESDAY... * LOCATIONS...THE ENTIRE RHODE ISLAND AND MASSACHUSETTS  COASTLINE...INCLUDING BOSTON AND PROVIDENCE AS WELL AS  SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. * HAZARD...DAMAGING WINDS. * WINDS...EAST 35 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 70 MPH. * TIMING...STRONGEST WINDS MONDAY AND MONDAY EVENING. * IMPACTS...WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES EXPECTED FROM DOWNED TREES  AND POWER LINES. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... TAKE ACTION NOW BEFORE THE HIGH WINDS OCCUR. SECURE ANY LOOSE ITEMS OUTDOORS. BE PREPARED FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF AN EXTENDED POWER OUTAGE. HAVE BATTERIES ON HAND FOR FLASHLIGHTS. IF YOU HAVE A PORTABLE GENERATOR...MAKE SURE IT IS PROPERLY CONNECTED INTO THE POWER SUPPLY. A HIGH WIND WARNING IS ISSUED WHEN SUSTAINED WINDS OF 40 MPH ARE EXPECTED FOR AT LEAST AN HOUR...WITH GUSTS OF 58 MPH OR GREATER AT ANY TIME.  DAMAGE TO TREES...POWER LINES...AND PROPERTY ARE POSSIBLE WITH WIND OF THIS MAGNITUDE. POWER OUTAGES ARE LIKELY. TAKE ACTION NOW TO SECURE ANY LOOSE OUTDOOR OBJECTS.

_______________________________________________
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NHC: Hurricane SANDY Graphics

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Hurricane SANDY Graphics

via NHC Atlantic Wallet 3 - Hurricane SANDY by nhcwebmaster@noaa.gov (nhcwebmaster) on 10/28/12

5-Day Uncertainty Track last updated Sun, 28 Oct 2012 08:45:11 GMT


Wind Speed Probabilities last updated Sun, 28 Oct 2012 09:04:21 GMT

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to NHC Atlantic Wallet 3 - Hurricane SANDY using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

National Grid Hurricane Sandy Update

To view this email as a web page, click here. As Hurricane Sandy approaches, National Grid is urging customers to take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety. We have been preparing for Hurricane Sandy for several days and our employees are ready to respond to our customers' needs. We remind you to be prepared and follow safety precautions.  Please check to make sure you have bottled water, working flashlights, a battery operated radio and extra batteries in your home. If you plan to use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to only operate it outdoors. To prevent a safety issue, before operating generators, be sure to turn off the main breaker located in the electric service panel.  If you see a downed power line, do not go near it or drive over it, always assume it's live. For more safety tips visit us at www.nationalgrid.com/HurricaneSandy. In case you lose power, National Grid provides you with multiple ways to receive up-to-date information on things like restoration details, more safety tips, important phone numbers and more. Sign up for National Grid state-level broadcast text* alerts by texting the word STORM to NGRID (64743). You can opt out of receiving text messages at any time by texting the word STOP to NGRID (64743).   You can now get safety and outage information on your mobile phone via our new mobile web browser at www.nationalgrid.com.  We also keep customers informed on Facebook and Twitter. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for up-to-date information. Power outages can be reported online or by calling 1-800-465-1212 in New England and 1-800-867-5222 in New York. For more information and to report an outage visit,www.nationalgrid.com/HurricaneSandy. Sign up for major storm alerts Text STORM to NGRID (64743) Report or check an outage   |   View outage map   |   Safety and outages © 2012 National Grid *We do not charge customers for this service. However, normal message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier plan. We will not send more than four messages a day during major storms. You can opt out of receiving text messages at any time by texting the word STOP to NGRID (64743). Text messages can also be paused by texting PAUSE to NGRID (64743) and then resumed by texting RESUME to NGRID (64743). Unsubscribe  |  Update Profile This email was sent by: National Grid One MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, U.S.A.

Hurricane Sandy Preparations

Good Evening.  This is Communications Director Gary Premo calling with information on the pending storm, Hurricane Sandy.  If you have not done so already, please take some time to ensure storm drains near your property are clear of debris; remove any loose objects on your property that may become airborne. 

Please reach out to family, friends and neighbors and encourage them to sign up for this valuable service, if they have not done so already.  

We will keep you updated during and after the storm with pertinent information. A decision on school opening for Monday will be made tomorrow 10/28/12.  Should we need to open a shelter, we will use the Remington School on Washington St. 

Thank you for listening.  Stay safe.  Good bye.

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. 

Hurricane Sandy Preparations

The text of the alert sent out Friday evening:

Good Evening.  This is Communications Director Gary Premo calling with information on the pending storm, Hurricane Sandy.  Please take some time to ensure storm drains near your property are clear of debris; remove any loose objects on your property that may become airborne and cause damage or injury.  Please reach out to family, friends and neighbors, and encourage them to sign up for this valuable service, if they have not done so already.  We will keep you updated during and after the storm with pertinent information.  Thank you.  Stay safe.  Good bye.

You can subscribe to the news alerts on the Franklin webpage here

http://town.franklin.ma.us/subscriber-news

Hurricane SANDY Graphics

from the National Hurricane Center

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Hurricane SANDY Graphics

via NHC Atlantic Wallet 3 - Hurricane SANDY by nhcwebmaster@noaa.gov (nhcwebmaster) on 10/25/12

5-Day Uncertainty Track last updated Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:38:44 GMT


Wind Speed Probabilities last updated Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:06:23 GMT

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to NHC Atlantic Wallet 3 - Hurricane SANDY using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Beaver St Recycling Center - additional hours

Additional hours have been posted for the Beaver St Recycling Center:


Franklin DPW Recycling Days 111101

This was posted on the Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/017C9CE7-000F8513

October Storm Update 11/1/11

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN" <email@blackboardconnect.com>
Date: Nov 1, 2011 2:11 PM
Subject: October Storm Update 11/1/11
To: <shersteve@gmail.com>

Good Afternoon. This is Gary Premo calling with an update on the Nor' Easter snow storm. National Grid continues to restore power, and report approximately 2000 customers remain without power. The Remington school, which has been open as a shelter, will close today at 4pm. If you still need shelter, a regional shelter is located at LaSallette on 947 Park Street in Attleboro, MA. ALL public schools with the exception of the Keller-Sullivan schools, will be open tomorrow 11/2. A decision on Keller-Sullivan will be made by the Superintendent later today. The recycling center will be open 12n-6p this Tue-Thu, 8a-6p on Fri, 8a-3p on Sat and 11a-4p on Sunday. Thank you for your patience. We will be updating you on a daily basis. Thank you and goodbye. To listen to the above message, you will need audio software and speakers on your computer. This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 520-4938. THIS E-MAIL ADDRESS IS NOT MONITORED. Please do not reply to this e-mail as we are not able to respond to messages sent to this address.

October Storm Update 10/31/11

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN" <email@blackboardconnect.com>
Date: Oct 31, 2011 2:50 PM
Subject: October Storm Update 10/31/11
To: <shersteve@gmail.com>

Good Afternoon. This is Gary Premo calling with an update on the Nor' Easter snow storm. National Grid continues to work 24 hours a day to restore power. They still predict a prolonged recovery, possibly into Thursday. The Remington school, 628 Washington Street, remains open as a shelter. The phone number is 1-508-541-2143. If you are in need of a hot meal, dinner tonight is 4p-630p; breakfast tomorrow 7a-9a and lunch 11a-1p. If you require shelter, please bring sleeping bags/blankets, towels and toiletries and any medications needed; pets are NOT permitted. All public schools will be closed Tuesday November 1st. Due to public safety concerns, trick or treating has been postponed until Friday 11/4. The recycling center will be open 12n-6p this Tue-Thu, 8a-6p on Fri, 8a-3p on Sat and 11a-4p on Sunday. Thank you for your patience. We will be updating you on a daily basis. Thank you and goodbye. To listen to the above message, you will need audio software and speakers on your computer. This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 520-4938. THIS E-MAIL ADDRESS IS NOT MONITORED. Please do not reply to this e-mail as we are not able to respond to messages sent to this address.

October Storm Update 10/30/11

Good Afternoon. This is Gary Premo calling with information regarding the recent snow storm. National Grid reports 5107 Franklin customers are without power. They predict a prolonged recovery, possibly into Thursday. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop into the 20's. We have opened the Remington/Jefferson school, 628 Washington Street, for a shelter. Food is available. Please bring sleeping bags, towels and toiletries; pets are NOT permitted. All public schools will be closed Monday October 31st. We are recommending that you refrain from trick or treating tomorrow, however, if you do bring your kids out, please stay away from downed trees/wires. Thank you for your patience. We will be updating you on a daily basis. Thank you and goodbye. To listen to the above message, you will need audio software and speakers on your computer. This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 520-4938. THIS E-MAIL ADDRESS IS NOT MONITORED. Please do not reply to this e-mail as we are not able to respond to messages sent to this address.

Oct Nor'easter

Hello, this is Brutus Cantoreggi your director of public works calling with important information about last night October snow storm. As of 7AM this morning, there are a number of roads that are closed due to trees in utility lines or broken utility poles. The major roads that are closed are sections of Lincoln St and Elm Street and numerous roadways in the Longhill area. There are many trees or branches close to on the roadways in many areas, to if you need to drive somewhere, be cautious The are also many roadways with low hanging wires. Please avoid all wires, as they maybe live and could hurt you. There are many areas of Town without power at this time. We are unsure of when power will be restored to everyone. If you have lost power, please contact NGrid directly. In order to expedited the clean up, please try and stay off the roadways unless it is an emergency. Do check in on love ones and neighbors and make sure they are OK. Thank you. To listen to the above message, you will need audio software and speakers on your computer. This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 520-4938. THIS E-MAIL ADDRESS IS NOT MONITORED. Please do not reply to this e-mail as we are not able to respond to messages sent to this address.

Live reporting - Irene response

2. Tropical Storm Irene – Gary McCarraher

Worked through conflicting info from the weather services until the National Weather service took priority with their accuracy

55 MPH winds marked at Fire Stations, 100 emergencies responded during Sunday
fortunately no injuries to workers or residents on Sunday
all roads were passable by 10:00 PM Sunday evening
National Grid did not show up on Sunday at all

multiple communications with National Grid with commitment to have someone on site Monday
priorities to restore power to key areas and water service
Central Park Terrace, senior housing, those with oxygen needs were dealt with as necessary
priority listing set up one day for action the next day

School St, Parmenter, etc were priority on Tuesday listing

South St, Summer, Beach priority for Weds due to primary lines down

Beach St, Elm, Indian Way for Thu

Police surveyed the town to cross check power outages

restoration of individual home services were addressed on Fri, Sat and Sun
maintained communications via CCTY, consolidated messages with schools

Lessons Learned:
market Ctty service, to cell phone service in addition to land lines
public cell phone charging area
improve power sign board options

additional learning will be reviewed in another meeting of the departments

Kelly - what about National Grid and their response? they did not get here until Tuesday

Nutting - requesting a meeting to discuss, one of their problems was trying to communicate with 27 communities, too confusing

McCarraher - One of our keys to success was getting someone into Franklin
13,000 electrical customers, about 10,000 were out initially

Nutting - it wasn't a good communication from the beginning, it was a multi-day event but they couldn't say how long - they had a corporate decision and lost hundreds of folks three weeks prior and simply were not prepared.

McGann - what did we get from a representative?
McCarragher - we wanted information, when we called it was like it was the first time, the representative was able to navigate their queue. I just needed reasonably accurate information so we could make our decisions. We were frequently getting lost in the mix, we got scheduling done with constant contact and making sure we didn't get lost in the shuffle. The guys on the street did a marvelous job, the problem was in the back room and getting the prioritization set up.

Vallee - following upon the comment
McCarragher - it is early, only first quarter to have data with the current staffing. I am concerned about it, it is not regular bu depending upon what can happen, it could be slower response.

Mason - thanks to your help, the operation was impressive

Nutting - our first obligation is to Franklin

Dick O'Connor (from Rep Vallee office)

"a lack of electricity four days after"

In Franklin, about 1,300 people were still without power as of noon yesterday, which is down from about 4,200 on Tuesday. 

Franklin Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said National Grid told officials in a meeting on Tuesday that power was supposed to be restored at the Municipal Center yesterday by 11 a.m., but wasn't. 

"The only people that dropped the ball are National Grid," said Nutting, praising town public safety departments and the DPW for their work during and after the storm. 

"We still have about 1,300 folks out of power. If you're one of those 1,300, it's getting a little thin after three days." 

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x227166423/Many-still-without-power-across-region#ixzz1Wgy4h0dG

Tree damage

Photos of tree damage in Franklin as we walked around on Monday

Susan's Way

Parmenter School

Wachusett St

Milliken Ave

King St

Being without electricity gives a new sense of what it is like to "have not".

Powerless and lucky

We're powerless but lucky to have escaped with little tree damage from what was left of Hurricane Irene. The power went out about 1:00. We were prepared with batteries, candles and the Coleman camping lantern provides a great deal of light.

When the rain stopped we picked up most of the small branches and twigs dropped by the wind from the trees. It didn't take long to cut up the one large branch that fell into the street. We'll have some good fire wood for the winter!

The cell phone batteries were the first to die away. Depending upon when the power returns (today?), we may need to run the car to re-charge them a bit. I have sparingly used my netbook and broadband card so I have several hours of connection remaining.

We did take a walk around the neighborhood last night. It was a rare event to see no lights anywhere. If there was a light (from a passing car, or a candle in a house) the little light was very noticeable in the darkness.

I hope you all survived with a story or two to pass along.