Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts

Saturday, November 13, 2021

How to save money heating your home this winter



Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

by Colleen Tressler
Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

The days are getting cooler — in fact, some parts of the U.S. have already seen snow. Experts report it's going to be an expensive winter to heat your home, but there are things you can do now to cut your energy costs.

Read more ->  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/11/how-save-money-heating-your-home-winter?utm_source=govdelivery


How to save money heating your home this winter
How to save money heating your home this winter


Saturday, November 6, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions - how to deal with rising heating and utility costs

The MA Attorney General's Office has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions page on how to deal with rising heating and utility costs this winter.
"Many residents are struggling to pay their bills, including their monthly utility bills. Electricity and Gas are essential services—that’s why it is important that customers know their rights and where they can go for help if they need it."


Frequently Asked Questions - how to deal with rising heating and utility costs
Frequently Asked Questions - how to deal with rising heating and utility costs




Tip of the hat to Tyngsborough for the info links ->

Friday, June 25, 2021

Recap: Town Council meeting - deserved recognitions made; 2 restaurant alcohol licenses approved; open meeting law complaint received and addressed

Quick Recap:
  • Two sets of recognitions: one for officer Mellor leaving to go to law school; second, for the multiple police and fire personnel from Franklin and Norfolk who responded to the Winter St fire
  • Two restaurant all alcohol licenses issued, one for Sierra Brick Over Pizza, the other for Proof to operate the second floor as a separate restaurant in the same building as Glen Pharma
  • Open meeting complaint received and acknowledged for not approving meeting minutes in the timely manner as required by law; changes being made to adjust process
  • Two transactions to help close out the FY 2021 finances, both about 200K in total and considering these are the adjustments on a over $100+ budget during a pandemic year, the Town did (and does) well managing their budget
  • Veterans Officer Dale Kurtz to retire, replacement to be hired
  • parking bylaw change referred to Planning Board for their review and decision before it comes back to the Council for 2 readings before final vote

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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

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/guZrk1xe1hnUSs5C6


The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0608

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0608&src=typeahead_click 

 

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-23-town-council-agenda

 

Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-23-21_town_council_agenda.pdf

 

 

  • Getting ready for the Town Council meeting at 7 PM. The agenda doc can be found. #tc0623 https://franklinma.gov/town-council/a
  • Dial in info for the session can be found in the image #tc0623
  • Frongillo participating remotely, Dellorco not present in the ViceChair spot. Steve Gilmore talking of the Be The Match for Gigi, link and info shared earlier https://franklinmatters.org/2021/06/be-match-for-gigi-june-26-video.html?m=1. #tc0623
  • Match entries on Saturday will be entered into a drawing for tickets to a Patriots game when #12 visits this season #tc0623 Citizen commenting on the condition of the Brick School. Unipay payments fee will be waived beginning in July (hurrah!) For bank transfer
  • Paperless payments coming to more payments, fee waivers at 35 cents vs. postage at 55 cents #tc0623 per Kerri Bertone the Treasurer/Collector
Recognitions
  • Officer Mellor leaving Police Dept to go to law school. #tc0623
  • Plaque presented #tc0623
  • Chair Mercer lists the fire and police personnel from Franklin and elsewhere who were involved in the Winter St fire #tc0623 2 min recess to allow for in person recognitions
Annual Appointments
  • Clerk Jones reads the listing of annual appointments to boards and committees #tc0623
  • Motion to approve appointments, second, passes (Kelly also not present during break) (although both are expected some time for the meeting) #tc0623 vote via roll call 7-0-2
License approvals
Presentations/Discussion
  • Next up, open meeting complaint about Town Council meetings not approved timely. #tc0623 well handled with response by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/
  • "This is petty, of all the things we do, and this is the worse thing to happen?" #tc0623 "I hope Mr Higgins isn't reading my thought bubbles" "A rule is a rule, a law is a law, and we must comply." Attny Cereal recommends an authorized response (vote by council) vote ->
  • Motion and second, via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent) EDC met last Weds, two discussions, HPP and home based business;
Legislation for action
Town Administrator's Report
  • TA report, will look at the red brick school house, was scheduled for historical tour for CPC #tc0623 job posting to replace Anne Marie Tracey was made, interviews hopefully in July. Looking to fill before Sep. Chrissy will be leaving and part of transition; Alysia ->
  • Will replace Chrissy, backfilling for Chrissy, job posted In council comments, cool story on the 2nd performance of Bright Stars during the storm Sat night. #tc0623 Chair Mercer recognizes that the police and fire personnel come out in good numbers in recognition of some ->
  • That the public may not always be aware of or see,
Executive Session
  • Motion to move to executive session (to return) via roll call 7-0-2 #tc0623
  • They're supposed to come back to open session but that's all for me tonight, catch you next time! #tc0623

Note: I did not wait for their return. Per conversation with Chair Mercer the morning after, one of the two items for the session were in fact brought to a vote, the other was held due to the 2 absent councilors (Dellorco, Kelly)


 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

The Winter St heroes, Franklin police and fire along with some Norfolk personnel
The Winter St heroes, Franklin police and fire along with some Norfolk personnel


Monday, May 10, 2021

FM #534 - Board of Health Meeting - 05/05/21 (audio)

FM #534 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 534 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the Board of Health members were in the Municipal Bldg, other members joined the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:
  • No change in mask requirements for sports, may see change after May 10
  • Improper demolition of building at 76 Jordan Road becoming more of a mess, asbestos found, mitigation steps with DEP and others now involved
  • Winter St deed not filed yet, watching and ready for next steps
  • Grant from Metacomet received, more to come on this as it makes progress
  • Problem with improper addition to residence at 274 Prospect St and Title 5 documentation
Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 29 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting for May.  


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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/  or www.franklin.news/

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 #534 - Board of Health Meeting - 05/05/21 (audio)
FM #534 - Board of Health Meeting - 05/05/21 (audio)


Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Franklin High School Athletics: Winter Sports Season Summary

FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) tweeted on Tue, Feb 23, 2021:


"Another very successful winter season in the books. All teams had winning records... and 5 Hock Championships: Boys Ice, Girls Basketball (undefeated) Gymnastics (undefeated) Girls Swim (undefeated) Boys Swim (undefeated)!!! Congratulations athletes & coaches! #PantherPride"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1364285642390306822

Winter Sports Season Summary
 Winter Sports Season Summary

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed.

Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed.

February 2, 2021

Dear Franklin Community,

Due to the lingering effects from the snow storm, Franklin Public Schools will be closed on February 2, 2021 for a snow day. The day will be made up at the end of the school year.

School offices will be closed. FPS Central Office will open on a delayed schedule at 10 AM. 

Thank you and stay safe and warm.

Franklin Public Schools


Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed
Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed


Monday, February 1, 2021

FPS: Winter Storm Update: Storm still in process, decision Tuesday about 5:30 AM

 February 1, 2021


Dear Franklin Community,

We are monitoring the weather forecast carefully and we have been in touch with the Department of Public Works for the Town of Franklin. At this time, the storm is still occurring and is forecast to snow for a few more hours, before turning to mixed precipitation, and then rain. This rain/snow line and the timing of its transition will be very important in determining the overall amount of snow and its impact on our community.

It is early to tell the exact impact of the storm. We will monitor the weather forecast overnight into the early morning hours and provide a decision tomorrow around 5:30 AM. We will inform you first thing in the morning about the plan for tomorrow through our multiple avenues including e-mail, text, our website, phone calls, social media, and news outlets.


Kindly,

Franklin Public Schools

 

Shared from the Franklin Public Schools page

FPS: Winter Storm Update: Storm still in process, decision Tuesday about 5:30 AM
FPS: Winter Storm Update: Storm still in process, decision Tuesday about 5:30 AM

 

Saturday, January 30, 2021

Winter Weather & Emergency Information

Winter Weather & Emergency Information

Hello Franklin,

The forecast over the next few days includes extremely cold temperatures and the potential for snow early next week.  Please take the necessary steps to stay safe and be prepared.  Emergency Management Information is available on our website, as well as this informational flyer with tips on how to prepare for a storm.  

 
Emergency Management Information
 
How to prepare for a snow storm
 
Winter Weather & Emergency Information
Winter Weather & Emergency Information

 

Friday, January 8, 2021

MBTA: Franklin LIne - Commuter Rail schedule change - Jan 23


Starting on Saturday, January 23, and until further notice, there will be no weekend train service on the Franklin Line

Winter Schedule will take effect on Saturday, January 23. Weekend service will only operate on the Middleborough, Fairmount, Providence, Worcester and Newburyport/Rockport Lines.

On January 23rd, the 2021 Winter Service Schedule will go into effect. This Schedule will introduce:

- Additional early trains on the Middleborough, Fairmount and Newburyport Lines.

- A revised weekend service with trains only operating on the Fairmount, Worcester, Providence, Middleborough, and Newburyport/Rockport lines.

The new Winter Schedule will be available on MBTA.com/schedules on Friday, January 15th. Paper Schedules will be available in South Station, North Station and Back Bay starting the week of January 18th.


Last Updated: Jan 07 2021 12:12 PM

 

MBTA: Franklin LIne - Commuter Rail schedule change
MBTA: Franklin Line - Commuter Rail schedule change

 

Friday, December 18, 2020

FPAC presents "Winter Wonderland" - Dec 19-20

In this most unusual 2020 holiday season, the Franklin Performing Arts Company is pleased to present a musical outing to help you find the spirit of Christmas.  Wear a holiday mask, bundle up, and come to THE BLACK BOX Parking Lot Theater for a socially distanced experience filled with live holiday music, dance, and fun!  FPAC’s festive Winter Wonderland will have available for purchase delicious treats and a last-minute Stocking Stuffer Boutique.  

Your family or patron grouping will be assigned table seating to enjoy the show, presented in two entertaining short sets, with performances by your favorite FPAC entertainers and special Broadway guest stars!

Tickets available at a Adult, Student/Senior and a  Family price - A family includes two parents and their child/children (17 years old and younger).  Additional family members should purchase the appropriate ticket.  It will help our planning if family groups who wish to sit together purchase tickets in the same transaction (or notify the box office to combine tickets from more than one purchase). 

Purchase tickets online https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1429

 

FPAC presents "Winter Wonderland" - Dec 19-20
FPAC presents "Winter Wonderland" - Dec 19-20


Thursday, December 17, 2020

Franklin Residents: Winter Storm Update

Winter Storm Update
Hello Franklin,
Please make note of the following alerts and information: 
  • A full parking ban is in effect until noon today
  • No Trash/Recycling Collection today, Thursday, Dec 17th. Trash/Recycling will be delayed by one day for 12/17 and 12/18 pick-ups only.
  • The Municipal Building and all town buildings (Recreation, Museum, Senior Center, Library, and DPW Administration) will remain closed today, Thursday, December 17th. All staff will be working remotely today and are available via email and phone during regular business hours. Please do not hesitate to reach out! 
  • Town offices and buildings will reopen tomorrow, Friday, Dec 18th at 8:00 for normal business hours. 
  • Based on this morning's report from the state MEMA office and Governor Baker's directives, it's in the best interest of the community to stay off the roads and allow our incredible local DPW workers and state highway officials the chance to clear snow from all roads, sidewalks and parking lots. 
  • Visit our website for information and links.
Stay safe! 

Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
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