MA News: Somerville schedules a 'Yart Sale'; Weather service schedules webinars

What is a ‘Yart Sale,’ exactly? Somerville is hosting its first one 

"If you took up an artistic hobby like so many others while stuck indoors at the height of the pandemic, or if you’re a seasoned veteran with a lens, brush, or knitting needle, this might be the perfect chance to share — and perhaps even sell — your work with the community.

On August 14, Somerville is hosting its first “Yart Sale,” a citywide event that welcomes artists of all calibers to set up shop on their porches, or in their yards and driveways, and sell their artwork to passersby.

The event is a mix between the city’s annual pop-up musical gathering, PorchFest, and Open Studios, where artists open up their workspaces, in that attendees can hop from one neighborhood to the next throughout the day to see what’s on display."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/08/03/metro/what-is-yart-sale-exactly-somerville-is-hosting-its-first-one/

NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) tweeted on Tue, Aug 03, 2021:

[New Webinars Scheduled] Calling all weather enthusiasts! We've scheduled a few Event Review webinars coming up, in addition to *Tonight's Webinar* on the Jet Stream. Come learn something with us! Sign up at https://t.co/OWtW5yQC0K  

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/BmuBiLE31m  or  https://twitter.com/NWSBoston/status/1422684671775698945?s=03

National Weather Service webinars scheduled

Franklin Public Schools: Half-day for Monday, Feb 1 - Stay tuned for Tuesday decision (weather dependent)

January 31, 2021

Dear Franklin community,

The weather forecast is calling for a significant snowstorm to move into our area through the day tomorrow and developing into heavy snow in the afternoon hours, and lingering into Tuesday where mixed precipitation and big wind gusts are possible. 

Therefore, we will hold school (both in-person/hybrid and remote) tomorrow, Monday, February 1, on a half-day schedule. Schools will be dismissed as follows:

• ECDC: 12:15 PM
• Elementary Schools: 11:45 AM
• Middle Schools:10:45 AM (10:50 AM at HMMS)
• High School: 10:55 AM

Although the actual impact of the storm could change, at this time, we are anticipating that the weather event will impact Tuesday. We are planning for the possibility that Tuesday, February 2, will be a traditional snow day. 

There were many strong feelings conveyed from members of the community with the call to have a remote learning day back in December and we had communicated in November that we would monitor our approach and make adjustments, as necessary. We also know that there are strong feelings among community members who feel that a remote learning day would be better for continuity in instruction. Planning for a remote day due to snow is more involved and complicated than the typical remote Wednesday, which is something we learned from December. As school will be abbreviated tomorrow, planning for a remote day on Tuesday will be more difficult. Additionally, having a snow day will result in the school day needing to be made up at the end of the year. This could yield a day with better quality instruction should health metrics related to the virus continue to improve this spring.

Snow day decisions never please everyone, but I hope that sharing this rationale provides you with a better understanding of our approach.

I will continue to keep the community apprised of a final decision for Tuesday, as winter weather can be unpredictable and the storm may not be as bad as forecasted.  For now, we will have a half-day of school on Monday and the next update will come by Monday evening. Updates will come in the form of e-mails, text messages, phone calls, posts on our Websites, posts to news outlets (TV and radio), and our Twitter and Facebook social media pages.

Kind regards,

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools 

shared from FPS page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/bulletins/winter-storm-information

Franklin Public Schools: Half-day for Monday, Feb 1 - Stay tuned for Tuesday decision (weather dependent)

Franklin Public Schools: Updated Inclement Weather Plans for 2020-2021 School Year

"As another New England winter approaches, please make note of the attached information related to Inclement Weather and School Closings. Thank you!"

UNIQUE EMERGENCY PLANS FOR 2020-2021 

"For the 2020-2021 school year, Franklin Public Schools plans to implement remote learning instead of snow days during the winter of 2020-2021. Having opened school remotely positions us well to pivot to a remote learning day in the event of inclement weather. Instruction on these days will be structured. The Department of Elementary and Secondary education is allowing districts to do so this school year only, without having to make up the days at the end of the year. In the event of inclement weather, educators and students/families should be planning for remote learning days to be held using the remote learning schedules previously communicated at the beginning of the school year. Schools will send additional information about daily schedules. Should inclement weather bring widespread power outages, the district may need to close one, multiple, or all schools for the day, and the day will need to be made up at the end of the year. Asynchronous learning will be provided in the event that sporadic power outages are experienced for individual students to be able to be “virtually present” for the day. The district will continue to use delayed starts to the school day if morning weather conditions make travel difficult but the forecast calls for improvement of conditions throughout the day."

 

For the full two page outline

https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/inclement_weather_notice_2020-2021.pdf

Updated Inclement Weather Plans for 2020-2021 School Year

Town of Franklin, MA: status moves to Level 3- Critical Drought

Franklin is included in the updated Level 3- Critical Drought region of Massachusetts. 

"Due to five months of below normal rainfall, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides today declared a Level 3 – Critical Drought in the Southeast Region of the Commonwealth. The other six regions across the state — the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Cape Cod, and Islands regions— remain at a Level 2 – Significant Drought, unchanged from last month’s declaration. Responding to increasingly severe drought conditions in some of the Commonwealth’s river basins, Secretary Theoharides also declared a Level 3 – Critical Drought in the Charles River and Millers River watersheds."

 

Find the press release and additional information here https://t.co/ePS4ROsLcx  

 

Shared from Twitter:

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1318547305205800965

 

Available on Town of Franklin page: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-reaches-level-3-critical-drought-status

Town of Franklin, MA: status moves to Level 3- Critical Drought

NOAA info on Isaias

The NOAA map shows the path of Isaias as of Monday morning (8/3/20 5:30 AM). It is likely to be a tropical depression bringing some wind and much needed rain to us on Tuesday/Wednesday. Oddly, if it maintains this track, Western MA will get more of the rain than we will.

Get additional updates from NOAA here
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/092753.shtml?cone

Hurricane preparedness info
https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness

Stay tuned to your normal weather station for updates.

NOAA info on Isaias

if it maintains this track, Western MA will get more of the rain than we will

Franklin Public Schools: Accelerated Dismissal/No Afterschool & Evening Activities for Dec 17

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Accelerated Dismissal Called

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

We continue to monitor weather conditions and the forecast calls for some icing to continue in our area this afternoon and then a brief change to snow again between 6-8 PM.

As a result of the forecast, the Franklin Public Schools will begin releasing high school and middle school students in an accelerated fashion on Tuesday afternoon, December 17, 2019, but it will not be on an early release schedule.

Middle school and high school will dismiss 15 minutes early to get the buses on the road. Elementary schools will dismiss at normal times. The thought behind this is that any delays in travel caused by weather conditions may still allow for the elementary students to arrive at home on time and safely.

All afternoon and evening activities for Franklin Public Schools will be cancelled today, Tuesday, December 17, 2019. There will be no late bus service after school.

Solutions families – The Solutions Program will open as usual. Solutions staff are assessing the weather; if a decision is made to close Solutions early, a Solutions staff member will contact each family to advise them of the early closing time.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Accelerated Dismissal/No Afterschool & Evening Activities for Dec 17

Franklin Public Schools: Opening on time; emergency busing in effect - Tues, Dec 17

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

We have been monitoring the forecast carefully and have been remaining apprised of road conditions in Franklin. Roads and sidewalks in Franklin have been pre-treated and temperatures will remain in a zone where the salt should have an effect, resulting in melting. Snowfall totals have been downgraded in our area.

As a result, Franklin Public Schools will open on time today. As a friendly reminder, parents/guardians may choose to not send a child to school if they feel road conditions are not safe.

Emergency busing will be in effect in the morning and students walking or waiting along routes will be offered rides by our drivers.


Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Opening on time; emergency busing in effect - Tues, Dec 17

Franklin Public Schools: School Closed Due to Weather 12/3/19

Tuesday December 3, 2019

We have been monitoring the storm closely and have been in contact with our DPW department, who has been working long hours on snow removal and road treatment during this long duration event.

Due to the snowfall overnight and forecast for accumulating snow to last to mid-morning and continued snow showers until noon, the Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, December 3, 2019.

Hockey practice this morning will also be cancelled.

The district and school offices will open at 10:00 AM.

Please take extra care to stay safe.


Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: School Closed Due to Weather 12/3/19

Franklin Public Schools: No Afterschool/Evening Activities for Monday Dec 2, 2019 due to the weather

Monday, December 2, 2019 - 1:00 PM

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

We continue to monitor weather conditions and the forecast calls for snow to continue in our area through the afternoon and into the evening with falling temperatures.

As a result of the forecast, all afternoon and evening activities for Franklin Public Schools will be cancelled today, Monday, December 2, 2019.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: No Afterschool/Evening Activities for Monday Dec 2, 2019 due to the weather

Franklin Public Schools: Emergency Bus Service Due to Cold Forecasted Temps

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Dear Franklin Families,

Due to the forecast for frigid temperatures and cold wind chills this evening and early morning and the potential for lingering icy spots on roads and sidewalks, the Franklin Public Schools will be utilizing emergency busing tomorrow morning, Wednesday, November 13, 2019. Students who do not normally ride the bus who are walking or waiting along the route will be picked up by our drivers.

We do not anticipate a need for emergency busing in the afternoon.

Please take steps to appropriately prepare for tomorrow's weather. Boots or appropriate footwear, warm coats, hats and gloves or mittens will be critical in the morning hours.


Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Emergency Bus Service Due to Cold Forecasted Temps

School Transportation info https://www.franklinps.net/district/transportation

Elderly Resident Hot Weather Safety Announcement

Elderly Resident Hot Weather Safety Announcement

Given the excessive heat forecasted for Saturday, July 20, please be aware that the Franklin Public Library welcomes elderly residents on that date from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 PM. 

If you need to access the Library but do not have transportation, you can call the Franklin Police Department at (508) 528-1212 to obtain a ride to the Library. 

Hot weather safety tips:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/franklin_council_on_aging_-_elderly_residents_heat_safety.pdf
 

Elderly Resident Hot Weather Safety Announcement

Shared via the Town of Franklin alert:
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/elderly-resident-hot-weather-safety-announcement

New Times for the Franklin Library's Book Sale!

Important Information Regarding This Weekend's Book Sale at the Franklin Public Library!

Due to the snow storm expected Sunday, the Book Sale will begin Friday, January 18, 1:00-5:00 PM. It will continue on Saturday, January 19, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM The Bag Sale will be 1:00-4:00 PM. 

There will not be a Bag Sale on Sunday, January 20.

New Times for the Franklin Library's Book Sale!

Recommended Reading: Climate Change Report

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

"A massive new federal report warns that extreme weather disasters, like California’s wildfires and this year’s hurricanes, are worsening in the United States. 

The White House report quietly issued Friday also frequently contradicts President Donald Trump. 

The National Climate Assessment was written long before the California fires and the hurricanes. It warns of more, stronger and longer disasters triggered at least in part by global warming. 

Report co-author Katharine Hayhoe says it shows the dangerous weather that scientists said will happen in the United States is already happening."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20181123/government-climate-report-warns-of-worsening-us-disasters

For the full report  https://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report

"Heat waves, heavy downpours, and sea level rise pose growing challenges to many aspects of life in the Northeast. Infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, and ecosystems will be increasingly compromised. Many states and cities are beginning to incorporate climate change into their planning. 

Explore how climate change is affecting the Northeast.

Key Message 1: Climate Risks to People
Heat waves, coastal flooding, and river flooding will pose a growing challenge to the region’s environmental, social, and economic systems. This will increase the vulnerability of the region’s residents, especially its most disadvantaged populations. 

Key Message 2: Stressed Infrastructure
Infrastructure will be increasingly compromised by climate-related hazards, including sea level rise, coastal flooding, and intense precipitation events. 

Key Message 3: Agricultural and Ecosystem Impacts
Agriculture, fisheries, and ecosystems will be increasingly compromised over the next century by climate change impacts. Farmers can explore new crop options, but these adaptations are not cost- or risk-free. Moreover, adaptive capacity, which varies throughout the region, could be overwhelmed by a changing climate. 

Key Message 4: Planning and Adaptation
While a majority of states and a rapidly growing number of municipalities have begun to incorporate the risk of climate change into their planning activities, implementation of adaptation measures is still at early stages."

Read the Northeast section here
https://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/regions/northeast

Recommended Reading: Climate Change Report

NationalGrid: We weathered these storms together

To view this email as a web page, click here.

We weathered these storms together Over the past two weeks, our region was hit with three consecutive weather events—each causing significant damage to our electricity network and leaving thousands of you, our customers, without power. The work required to repair the network and restore power was labor-intensive and time consuming.  And we realize how disruptive these outages were for you. It tested our patience. And we know it tested yours. As we reflect on this challenging time, we also feel incredibly grateful for the outstanding efforts of so many in our communities, including: The emergency responders and municipal officials who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the communities they serve and who were also so instrumental in the coordination and prioritization of our response efforts; and The many volunteers who helped provide a warm place to go or food, water, and supplies to those who most needed assistance. It would be impossible to thank all of these emergency responders individually.  So, in their honor, National Grid has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Finally, we are proud of the efforts of our crews and the hundreds of contractors who traveled from near and far to assist in our restoration efforts.  These men and women are incredibly motivated to serve you. And the countless expressions of thanks they received from so many of our customers—who took the time to display homemade signs, offer them coffee or just share a wave and a smile—gave them the boost they needed to get the job done. Thank you for that. Rest assured, our work doesn't end here. We'll continue to refine our planning and response as we remain ready for whatever else Mother Nature throws our way.  In the meantime, we thank you for weathering these storms with us.   Connect Now Visit us at nationalgridus.com

Privacy Policy This email was sent by: National Grid 40 Sylvan Road, Waltham, MA, 02451, U.S.A.

Franklin Library: March 7 and March 8 Storm Updates

March 7th and March 8th Storm Updates

Franklin Public Library will be closing at 5 PM today, March 7
Stay tuned for any additional updates.

Shared from the Town of Franklin webpage

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA. 

Franklin Library: March 7 and March 8 Storm Updates

Newcomers and Friends Club - Feb 7 - meeting canceled

The Newcomers and Friends Club February meeting has been cancelled. Based on weather and driving condition predictions, we decided to cancel our February 7 Meeting at "3" Restaurant. 

We hope you can join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, March 14th. For more information, check our website franklinnewcomers.com, our Facebook page or our Meetup.com group (https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends/).

Franklin Newcomers and Friends: Game Night - Feb 7 Canceled

Franklin Public Schools: Schools Closed Monday; Feb 13

Hello

Due to the continued snow/ice all Franklin Public Schools are closed 2/13/17 - there will be no afternoon or evening activities on Monday.

Administration offices closed.

Thank you and be safe.

downtown Franklin in the snow

MBTA: Commuter Rail notice for Monday, Dec 19

"The National Weather Service is anticipating frigid temperatures on Monday, 12/19/16. The Commuter Rail will operate on a regular weekday schedule.

Please take precautions while travelling to local stations. 

For the latest commuter rail information, follow us on Twitter @MBTA_CR, sign up to be a T-Alert subscriber, and consider downloading the Keolis MBTA Commuter Rail or the MBTA-endorsed Transit apps.

Please be on the platform 5-10 minutes prior to departure to ensure timely boarding.

Last updated: Dec 18 2016 12:48 PM
Sent by the MBTA."

Franklin Dean Station in light snow

MBTA Commuter Rail: Cold Weather Preparations

With bitter cold temperatures expected throughout the region, Keolis Commuter Services is making preparations now to ensure normal operations for the MBTA Commuter Rail system over the next few days.

“Our number one goal is to operate every MBTA commuter rail train on time, every day, for the more than 127,000 passengers who rely on a well-functioning, safe and reliable system,” said Ernest C. Piper, Chief Mechanical Officer for Keolis. “Our riders deserve nothing less – even in the face of extreme cold and other winter weather – and that is what we are relentlessly focused on.”

Specific steps being taken to prepare for extreme cold include the following:

• Patrolling all lines and inspecting the rails for signs of weakness, which can occur during times of extreme temperature fluctuations 
• Pre-treating platforms, walkways and stairs at stations and facilities with salt and sand to prevent icy conditions from developing in case of precipitation. 
• Activating heaters on switches to ensure they are fully operational 
• Making de-icers and bagged sand available in control cars and at select stations to use as needed 
• Checking equipment and parts, such as air hoses and air reservoirs, to safeguard against moisture infiltrating the locomotive air systems 
• Ensuring continuous fueling and re-fueling of locomotives 
• Conducting ongoing safety audits at all facilities to catch any potential impacts on mechanical service, and to ensure that all train doors remain closed.

To reduce the risk of impact to the locomotive fleet, and the ability to operate the commuter rail in extreme cold weather, Keolis will also keep all trains in idling mode overnight from just before midnight on Thursday until regular service begins on Friday morning, and again from Friday night to Saturday morning. The extreme cold temperatures, coupled with high winds, can put certain systems within the locomotive, such as radiators and toilet lines, at risk for freezing, and can cause damage to piping, hoses, and the locomotive engine itself.

Residents living in close proximity to commuter rail layover locations may experience some extra noise on Thursday and Friday night. Local officials have been notified of these plans.

“While we recognize that this represents a temporary inconvenience for local residents, it is absolutely necessary to support continuous operation of the commuter rail system in the face of extreme weather,” said Piper.

Passengers will be alerted about the forecasted cold temperatures, with suggestions that they dress warmly, use caution on platforms and when boarding trains, and if there are any delays expected as a result of cold-related speed restrictions. Passengers and local residents are encouraged urged to contact Keolis Customer Service with any questions or concerns:

Email: customerservice@keoliscs.com 
Phone: Keolis Commuter Services customer service call center operates from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekdays and 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM weekends and holiday. 
Contact us at (617) 222-3200 (Deaf or Hard of hearing TTY 617-222-5146) 
Twitter: @MBTA_CR

Franklin Dean Station in light snow

Franklin Public Schools: yes, school on Friday, Dec 16

To Parent/Guardians/Faculty and Staff:

We have had a few inquiries about the status of school on Friday, December 16, 2016 due to excessively cold temperatures. We anticipate school being open at the regular time. We have consulted with facilities personnel and our transportation provider and we do not anticipate any concerns with the heat in schools or our busses. However, if we experience an HVAC/power problem or our busses are running late it may necessitate a status change at a specific school.

In the interest of safety, we have directed principals to open school doors early. We do not want students waiting outside of any school in these frigid temperatures. Additionally, our bus drivers have been directed to pick up any students who are normally walkers. If the parent of a walker cannot drive a child to school please feel free to use the bus that runs near your home. Bus stops can be found on district web site (Click on Departments-/Scroll down to Transportation -Click on 2016-2017 Bus Routes). This accommodation is only in effect on Friday 12/16.

If the impact of weather changes, we will communicate and respond as quickly as possible. 

For Your Information:

• Plan to start cars early to warm up
• Make sure students are wearing coats, hats and gloves/mittens while standing at bus stop
• Wear layers of clothing
• Note that Crossing Guards will be on duty. However, they will be permitted to park cars near crosswalks so they can stay warm and be safe - they will watch for students and cross them safely.

Thank you and stay warm. 

Respectfully,
Maureen Sabolinski

cold morning on the triangle downtown Franklin

The full memo can also be found here: