Showing posts with label volunteers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volunteers. Show all posts

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 26, 2019

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, 2019

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_for_june_26_2019.pdf

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)


Agenda ItemSummary
Town Council Meeting Agenda
Meeting of June 26, 2019
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZENS COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda.  The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. May 22, 2019
b. May 23, 2019
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
a. Kevin Petriello- Finance Intern
b. Swearing in of Police Officer, Police Sergeant and New Firefighter
5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Annual Board/Committee Appointments
b. Reappointment of Election Workers
6. HEARINGS
None
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
None
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Franklin July 4th Coalition
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-41: Acceptance of Gift-Police Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-41 - Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-42: Appropriation Transfers FY19 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-42 - Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-43: Appropriation FY19 Capital Plan Round 2 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-43 - Majority Vote (5))
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-44: Appropriation Public Safety Communications Infrastructure (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-44 - Majority Vote (5))
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-45: Appropriation Wage Settlement Account (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-45 - Majority Vote (5))
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-46: Appropriation Historical Museum Artifacts Preservation (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-46 - Majority Vote (5))
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-47: Authority For Town Administrator to Negotiate and Execute Tax Agreement with Owner Of Ground-Mounted Solar Facility Located Off Spring Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-47 - Majority Vote (5))
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-48: Dissolution of the Franklin Community Garden Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-48  Majority Vote (5))
10i. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
19-843: Bylaw Amendment- Chapter 25 Human Resource Management - 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-843 - Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None Scheduled
15. ADJOURN

The 4th of July schedule is shared at the Town Council meeting June 26, 2019
The 4th of July schedule is shared at the Town Council meeting June 26, 2019
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8a._4th_of_july.pdf

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Beautification Day Scheduled for May 18 - volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed for the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club's annual Beautification Day in downtown Franklin and the Town Common on Saturday, May 18.

Community service hours are available to high school sports teams, scout groups and students needing volunteer opportunities. Dozens of volunteers are needed to help plant flowers and greenery on the downtown bridge and in barrels in front of businesses. Volunteers with trucks are also needed to help pick up a few trays of flowers at 7 AM at Fairmount Fruit Farm, 887 Lincoln St., Franklin.

“Every year, we look forward to spring and planting red, white and blue flowers in Franklin,” said Beautification Day Chairperson Eileen Mason. “The flowers extend a warm welcome to the downtown area to both residents and visitors. Please consider helping us plant on May 18 - many hands make light work.”

Anyone who would like to lend a hand can grab their garden gloves and meet at 8 AM in the small commuter parking lot on West Central Street near Central Pizza and Hair Mania. Work is expected to wrap up by 11 AM, or earlier if there are more volunteers. 

The event will go on rain or shine. If you can volunteer, please notify us by email.

Sponsors are still needed for Beautification Day. Please email downtown.franklin@yahoo.com to be listed as a sponsor on signs.

Beautification Day Scheduled for May 18 - volunteers needed
Beautification Day Scheduled for May 18 - volunteers needed

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Helping Kids Make the Grade — A YMCA Initiative: Back to School Backpack Drive was a Success

Operation Backpack ran successfully for a 3rd year. A dedicated association of staff, volunteers, donors, partners and community members, the Hockomock Area YMCA commits itself to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families, and communities. Convening donors and volunteers to improve the back to school season for local families reflects what the Hockomock Area YMCA stands for.

The backpack drive took place June 25th-July 31st to collect new backpacks filled with school supplies for children in 7 school districts. The YMCA facilities in Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro, as well as Bellingham Library, Bellingham Town Hall, Franklin Municipal Building, Horace Mann Middle School, New England Chapel, and Oak Street Elementary School locations served as collection sites for people to drop off backpacks and supplies.
Backpacks Filled by Volunteers from True Ability, Dell’s Employee Resource Group for People Impacted by Disabilities and or Special Needs
Backpacks Filled by Volunteers from True Ability,
Dell’s Employee Resource Group for
People Impacted by Disabilities and or Special Needs

The YMCA initiative was sponsored by Dell, Discount School Supply, Siemens, Stop and Shop Worldwide, and WB Mason. Drop off location partners, understanding that many of the kids in our communities will start the school year without the supplies that they need to succeed, stepped up to the plate with additional donations including boxes of pens and pencils, scissors, glue sticks, rulers, and monetary donations. Volunteers gathered the supplies and used them to fill over 600 backpacks.

"What a feeling it is to know that our collective efforts helped 610 kids go back to school prepared," said Brandi Jacobs—senior membership experience director at the Bernon Family YMCA Branch in Franklin.

"Thank you to our sponsors. It is only with your generosity that we are able to make this such a successful event," said Jacobs. She noted that Y members and anonymous donors contributed by purchasing supplies on an Amazon Wish List and by submitting requests for children who could benefit from receiving a backpack for their children.

Donations at work include:
Milford Summer Lunch Program
The Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition presented this summer the Milford Summer Food Service Program, sponsored by the Hockomock Area YMCA in collaboration with the Milford Public Schools Food Services team. All 272 participants who received free lunch signed up in advance to receive a backpack for their children.

Learning about the impact of the initiative, a community member who wished to remain anonymous stated: "On behalf of our family, we would like to take a moment to thank the YMCA staff and everyone that was a part of raising funds. So that every child that was in need for this coming school year, was provided with a backpack filled with school supplies. We are very grateful and thankful to everyone that was a part of this blessing. May the Lord continue to bless you always, as you have blessed others from the heart."

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Photos from the SNETT trail clean up - Saturday, Apr 21

A group of volunteers gathered to walk along the SNETT and trim back the tree fall from the winter storms on Saturday. Some of the low spots were filled in and trash was picked up along the way.

My wife and I love walking the SNETT so this was a good way to help give back!


trail head for the SNETT on Grove St
trail head for the SNETT on Grove St

puddle was shrunken as part of the work done Saturday
puddle was shrunken as part of the work done Saturday

the clean up crew
the clean up crew

The portion cut through the rocks
The portion cut through the rocks 

puddle reflection
puddle reflection

the trail with bare trees
the trail with bare trees


Haven't been to the SNETT yet? 
Check it out. From the Grove St parking lot, it is about 2.5 miles round trip to Prospect St and back. Cross Prospect St and go to Center St in Bellingham and it is about 6 miles round trip.






For additional information on the SNETT visit the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee page  http://franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/



Wednesday, January 3, 2018

In the News: balancing the FY 2019 budget; Holliston rail trail; Meals on Wheels needs volunteers

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

"Town officials agree that balancing the budget will be the main topic of concern for the new year. 
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting said town officials haven’t picked through the budget with a fine-tooth comb, but has an early prediction that there could be a more than $3 million shortfall. He said it’s too early to tell where cuts might have to be made. 
“We’re going to have a big struggle balancing the fiscal budget,” he said. “It’s the dominant issue that Franklin will face in the next six months.” 
Nutting said state aid will be set in stone in February. The budget will be voted on in May or June by the Town Council. They will be holding their annual goals workshop later this month."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180102/franklin-2018-brings-budget-trouble

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


"Holliston Trails Committee Chairman Robert Weidknecht started dreaming of a completed Holliston rail trail 20 years ago. 
“Throughout the years, I’ve heard all the naysayers. ‘Oh, it’ll never get done, it’ll cost too much,’” said Weidknecht. “It’s a great thing for the town.” 
Holliston finished its 6.7-mile section of the multi-town Upper Charles Trail in the fall but 2018 will bring finishing touches and expansion. 
The entire Holliston stretch was open briefly until December, when a section over the Bogastow Brook closed to allow repairs to the 8 Arch Bridge. Trail users can detour to Woodland Street until the bridge reopens in the spring."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180102/2017-good-year-for-holliston-rail-trail


"The Medway Meals on Wheels program is hoping to find volunteers to bring food to and check in on local seniors. 
Tina Wright, who helps coordinate the program locally, said the Medway program had lost four drivers over the month of December. 
“We’re really scrambling,” she said. “We’re looking for three to four people who think they can deliver once a month - it’s an hour to an hour and a half commitment every month.” 
Wright said volunteering with the program might be a good way to help fulfill any community-service New Year’s resolutions. Though volunteerism can ebb and spike in certain times of year, she said, Meals on Wheels is seeking drivers who can consistently make monthly deliveries."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180102/meals-program-in-medway-seeks-volunteers

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Winter Decorating: Two opportunities to help downtown Franklin shine!

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is looking for volunteers for the holiday decoration activities this weekend.

Winter Decorating: Two opportunities to help downtown Franklin shine!
Winter Decorating: Two opportunities
to help downtown Franklin shine!
1. Saturday, 11/18, we are meeting at 1 PM at Hillside Nursery to sort the bundles of greens into smaller packages.

2.  Sunday,11/19, we will be meeting at 9 AM at the parking lot next to Ferrara's Market to do the decorating.  If you want to show up earlier to help unload the trucks, starting around 8 AM that is fine with me.

Dress appropriately for the weather and bring gloves if you have them.

Thanks for volunteering!
~ Eileen

Questions? Email Eileen at emason4234@gmail.com.


Thursday, October 26, 2017

“I do this because I love doing it"

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

"Though it’s not her primary job, Susan Barbour doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty with the rest of the kitchen staff at the Senior Center. 
It is likely one of the many reasons she was awarded the 2017 Citizen’s Award from Horace Mann Educational Associates (HMEA) for her work with the organization. 
Among many titles, Barbour is the program coordinator at the Senior Center. Though she devotes much of her time to her interns from HMEA in the kitchen. 
Quick to perk a smile among co-workers and customers, Barbour is humble, but proud of the work she does for HMEA. Her dedication and pride is evident through her 13 years of volunteer work for the organization."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171026/franklin-resident-awarded-good-citizens-award

"HMEA’s Administrative Office is located in Franklin, MA, but our service area extends to over 110 communities in the Commonwealth’s Central, Southeastern and Eastern regions. We have a long history of providing innovative services in school, at work, at home and in the community and HMEA now serves nearly 3,800 children and adults with developmental disabilities."

Visit HMEA on the web for more information  https://hmea.org/ 

HMEA’s Administrative Office is located in Franklin, MA
HMEA’s Administrative Office is located in Franklin, MA

Friday, June 16, 2017

Franklin Dog Park - Clean Up - June 28 - 3:00 PM - CANCELED

Franklin Dog Park committee is having a clean up day on June 28th Wednesday at 3pm at the dog park located at Dacey Community Field, Lincoln Street. 

Volunteers needed. We need wheel barrows, shovels, rakes. 

Drinks and snacks will be provided by the committee.

Also on that day anyone that gives a donation to the dog park will receive a bag of home made dog biscuits.


Or you can make your donation out to: 
Franklin Dog Park, PO Box 111, Franklin,Ma. 02038



Updated 6/22/17
Date canceled and to be reschedule for another time

Facebook photo of volunteers at the Dog Park in 2013
Facebook photo of volunteers at the Dog Park in 2013

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Furry Friends of Franklin would like to thank the volunteers

The dog committee of Furry Friends of Franklin would like to thank the volunteers who help out this past Saturday cleaning and spreading wood chips at the Franklin Dog Park. 

Thanks to Ray and Jean, Angel, Mary, Doug, Renee, Lori and people that were there with their dogs that helped out. 

A special thanks to the founder of the Franklin Dog Park, Haley.

Woof!Woof!

ffof02038@gmail.com

Dacey Field dog park
Dacey Field dog park

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

FISH of Franklin needs volunteers

FISH is an all volunteer, non profit organization that provides free transportation to Franklin residents to medical appointments. We have been providing this service for almost 43 years. 
We are in need of volunteers, particularly drivers. We are looking for men and women who are able to volunteer for as little as a few hours per month. Most of our clients have appointments within about a 20 mile radius of Franklin. 
If anyone is interested in helping or would like more information, they may call FISH at 508-528-2121, leave a name and # and we'll get back to them.
FISH of Franklin needs volunteers
FISH of Franklin needs volunteers

Saturday, May 28, 2016

“We are truly fortunate to have such devoted and compassionate volunteers”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin
"Volunteers donated more than 4,500 hours of service to the Pantry last year. They work directly with clients in the pantry store, pick up food from local grocers and farms and deliver it to the pantry, as well as stock and organize shelves, and assist with the mobile pantry and Healthy Futures Market. The pantry relies on more than 70 volunteers each month to fulfill all of the operational responsibilities. "
For information: franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/volunteer.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160527/franklin-food-pantry-honors-volunteers


franklinfoodpantry.org/
franklinfoodpantry.org/

Friday, April 15, 2016

Franklin Neighbor Brigade recognizes the Spirit of Volunteer Appreciation Week

Franklin Neighbor Brigade has a couple of shout outs in the Spirit of Volunteer Appreciation week. Thank you to our volunteers for giving and sharing themselves to others!


  • To all our volunteers - April 22nd the Franklin brigade will be receiving an award from the Franklin Senior Center and Council on Aging for our volunteer work with the Senior population.



  • As a fundraiser for the Jefferson Elementary Fifth Grade Celebration, the school's fifth graders sold bags of "Soul Warming Soups," and provided the option of donating a bag of soup to a local charity. With the selling power of the fifth grade students, as well as their generous families and friends, the school donated thirty bags of frozen soup to the Franklin chapter of Neighbor Brigade. More than fifteen families purchased two and four pound bags of soup, and the company generously matched these donations. The students thoroughly embraced the opportunity to raise money for their end-of-year celebration, while participating firsthand in assisting local families in need. Thank you volunteer Jacqui. S. For making this happen! Our recipients are going to be enjoying this soup all winter long.

Soul Warming Soups
Soul Warming Soups

  • Kelly K has led a committee in creating "Neighbor Brigade Care Cups" to welcome new recipients with extra cheer and encouragement.


"NB Care Cups"
"NB Care Cups"

  • Catherine A is leading a committee at her children's school with the art department in creating words of inspiration on butterfly's to Neighbor Brigade recipients in an art project.



words of inspiration on butterflies
words of inspiration on butterflies
You can help the Franklin Neighbor Brigade. Information on the group can be found on the internet at http://www.neighborbrigade.org/1-public/chapters/?chapter=FranklinMA

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Volunteers needed at the Historical Museum

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 
Interested in Franklin History?
Looking for something to do in your Community? 
The FRANKLIN HISTORICAL MUSEUM is looking for volunteers  to HOST once a month at the Historical Museum. 
Contact Mary Olsson at 508 520 9187 for more information and she'll get you started.

Franklin Historical Museum
Franklin Historical Museum

Visit the Historical Museum online -->  http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Patriots Honor Area Youth Volunteers to Kick off 2014 Celebrate Volunteerism Initiative


New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and Patriots players recognize youth volunteers with pizza and bowling party at Patriot Place's Splitsville Luxury Lanes and Howl at the Moon to kick off 2014 Celebrate Volunteerism initiative on Tuesday, Sept. 16.


It takes many people to make a difference and on Tuesday, Sept. 16, the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and several Patriots players recognized more than 30 local youth volunteers for their hard work and dedication to helping others. Youth volunteers from Hockomock Area YMCA branches, Weymouth High School and Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston were honored by the Foundation and Patriots players Nate Solder, James Develin, Josh Boyce and Ja'Gared Davis at Patriot Place's Splitsville Luxury Lanes and Howl at the Moon. Volunteers and players shared stories about their volunteer work, which stemmed from their different passions and upbringings.
 "The thing I would say about volunteering is that, just like me and my teammates on the football field, there is a common goal and a common purpose," said Solder. "I think that's the neatest thing I've always found with volunteering. It creates a network between volunteers, a network between different communities and different groups all over the world. I sure enjoy being a part of it and I congratulate these youth volunteers because it's amazing work they are doing." After sharing some of his own volunteer experiences, Develin provided the group a meaningful quote he recently came across that has stuck with him. "If you're not living your life to make someone else's life better, than you're wasting your time," Develin recalled to the group.
 For Foxborough resident Dan DeMars, Tuesday's event was all about giving back to the youth volunteers who give so much to their respective communities. "These kids are always giving back," said DeMars, who serves as Teen Director of the YMCA's Invensys Foxboro Branch. "We have a lot of family events at the YMCA and there are a lot of community events throughout our towns and surrounding areas that these kids are always giving back to. For us to have this opportunity to appreciate them through the Patriots Charitable Foundation is awesome." 
From left to right: New England Patriots offensive tackle Nate Solder, fullback James Develin, wide receiver Josh Boyce and linebacker Ja’Gared Davis celebrate youth volunteerism with volunteers from the Hockomock Area YMCA branches on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The Patriots Charitable Foundation kicked off the 2014 Celebrate Volunteerism at Patriot Place’s Splitsville Luxury Lanes with a pizza and bowling party

DeMars added the YMCA has enjoyed a tremendous partnership with the Patriots and Tuesday's event was another great example of the organization's support. "We're really lucky in Foxborough to have an affiliation with the Patriots organization," DeMars said. "Like Nate Solder said, we all have a common goal and a common purpose to be making an impact and to be doing a good thing, so I think the message the Patriots are sending these kids is amazing and it's valuable. It's going to do a lot for these kids and give them positive reinforcement to give back and make a difference." One of DeMars' volunteers, Lindsey DeRusha of Wrentham, said she enjoys volunteering at the Foxboro YMCA because it has given her so much over the years. "The YMCA has done so much for me personally," DeRusha, 16, said. "I go there to exercise, I work there, I participate in the leadership club and I just really feel like it's my turn to give back to the YMCA. It's my turn to give it what it has given me." For DeRusha, the best part of Tuesday's event was being able to share experiences and stories with other volunteers, eat pizza and bowl with the Patriots players. "This is awesome," DeRusha said with a big smile. "I volunteer to give back, but to know these players and the Patriots organization are rooting us on and they admire us as much as we admire them is the best feeling in the world! It makes everything so worthwhile." The event, which kicked off the Foundation's 2014 Celebrate Volunteerism initiative, also recognized Tara Balan, a senior at Weymouth High School, as the Patriots Difference Maker of the Week for Youth Volunteerism. Balan, 17, has spent her entire high school career taking advantage of opportunities to serve others and has led multiple service projects. At age 14, she was chosen to represent the town of Weymouth in the launch of the Project 351, a community service initiative that unites eighth grade students from every town in Massachusetts. More recently, Balan led a commemoration project to honor the victims of Sept. 11 and coordinated a clothing drive for Cradles to Crayons.
 An excited Balan said she was humbled by the recognition.
 
New England Patriots fullback James Develin (center) celebrates youth volunteerism with students from Weymouth High School at Patriot Place’s Splitsville Luxury Lanes on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Weymouth’s Tara Balan (front, far right) was recognized as the Patriots Difference Maker of the Week for her volunteer work

 "I'm very honored to receive this recognition, but at the same time it's a very humbling experience because it's not like I did all of these things just to be recognized," said Balan. "This is a really neat event and I'm incredibly fortunate to be a part of it."
Balan added she enjoyed spending time with other youth volunteers and hearing Patriots players share their own volunteer experiences. "I think it's really cool the Patriots players came out here to share their own volunteer experiences and congratulate everyone on the work they are currently doing," Balan said. "It's great to see that everyone is involved in community service, even people that we idolize. To know people like these players still take the time to give back to their community is very important."