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Thursday, August 19, 2021
Franklin Cultural Council: We want to hear from you!
50+ Job Seekers' August/September Events
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Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Purchasing Office
GOALS
The office function involves assisting other departments to ensure the highest quality of services and supplies for the best price and in compliance with applicable procurement laws.
The office function involves assisting other departments to ensure the highest quality of services and supplies for the best price and in compliance with applicable procurement laws.
PURCHASING UPDATE
Over the past year, the Purchasing Office has made a concerted effort to modernize the Department while also assisting Department Heads with a number of significant projects. These projects include a continued focus on improving the Town’s overall utility based infrastructure.
PROCUREMENT CHANGES
The Purchasing Office continues to oversee the implementation of various improvements in the way vendors can access bid documentation. One of the more significant advancements is the change we made to the distribution of plans & specifications. Vendors no longer need to wait for the bid packages to be mailed, emailed, or picked in person. With the web based platform, vendors can download the entire bid package from the Town website, thus improving the accessibility of the documents while at the same time cutting municipal costs in a number of areas.
This change has been very well received, particularly by those doing business with the Town. The upgrades have also further reinforced our continued approach to modernizing the way procurement is handled.
OBJECTIVES
Promote fair, prompt and courteous consideration to all suppliers. Observe the highest ethics in all transactions and correspondence.
Respectively submitted:
John Bugbee
Chief Procurement Officer
Town of Franklin
Visit the Procurement Dept. on the ToF page
Continue reading the Annual Report for 2020
Prior Annual Reports can be found online
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| Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Purchasing Office |
wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 009 - March 2021
"Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Rev. Cherry, Priest McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their own congregations and how listeners can discover more opportunities to practice faith in their own lives."
Direct link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4d8cda14-ed14-4686-bd64-9631a5ab459e
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| wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 009 - March 2021 |
MA News: weekend commuter rail volume; commissioning public art
"Weekend commuter rail off to good start"
"Weekend service on all of the MBTA’s commuter rail lines returned on July 3, and already ridership is back close to pre-COVID levels.
Saturday ridership is roughly 77 percent of what it was during the summer of 2019, while Sunday ridership is 100 percent, according to Justin Thompson, a spokesman for Keolis Commuter Services, the operator of the T’s commuter rail system.
Trains are still under-utilized, but those are strong numbers given that weekend service wasn’t even available on most commuter rail lines during the first half of the year. The numbers also represent a stark contrast with weekday ridership, which still hasn’t recovered from the pandemic and the corresponding decline in commuting to work. "
Continue reading the article online
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| "Weekend commuter rail off to good start" |
"A new way to commission public art"
"MOST MASSACHUSETTS communities use the same process to commission public art as they do to pave a sidewalk or hire a streetsweeper. They put out a call for contractors, review the bids that come in, and select one, typically the cheapest one. There is little or no public input into the process.Lynn, with the help of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, has come up with a new approach called Lynnstallation.The process began with two community focus groups that outlined the standards and values they wanted reflected in a piece of art: engagement, multi-generationality, education, justice, support, positivity and joy, and a colorful appearance. "
Continue reading the article online
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
ALERT: NO NODE MEETING THURSDAY, AUG 19, 2021!
Hey, node members!
We are canceling our 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting this Thursday, August 19, 2021!
350 Mass is joining forces with allies at a
Rally to #SealTheDeal for Climate, Care, Jobs and Justice!
Congresspeople Seth Moulton and Richard Neal are the only two from the whole Massachusetts delegation to not sign onto the THRIVE Act which would provide $10 Billion over ten years for climate justice and jobs! To push them, we're having BIG RALLIES IN SALEM AND SPRINGFIELD to drive home we want STRONG legislation in the reconciliation infrastructure bill!
So sign up at the RSVP link if you can come to SALEM!
We want everyone there! Bring a sign!
The rally will be outside the whole time in a PARK, wear a mask,
and keep your distance.
So far, Ralph Halpern and Carolyn Barthel are interested in driving separately to the rally, so contact us if you're vaccinated
and you'd like to potentially carpool.
As the rally is 3:00-6:00 pm, there's not adequate time to return home for a Zoom node meeting, so we're canceling it.
Our next node meeting will be Thursday, September 2.
We hope to see you there!
Ralph Halpern 339-203-5017 cell, 781-784-3839 home
Carolyn Barthel 508-335-0848 cell, 508-473-3305 home
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| Rally to #SealTheDeal for Climate, Care, Jobs and Justice |
Still time to pull papers, obtain signatures, and run for Town of Franklin elected positions
Friendly reminder - Election Timeline
- September 10 by 5:00 PM – Last day to obtain Nomination papers
- September 14 by 5:00 PM – Signed Nomination papers must be submitted to Board of Registrars for certification
- September 30 by 5:00 PM- Last day to withdraw your candidacy
- October 13 – Last day to register to vote. Office hours will be extended to 8:00 PM or register online at http://www.sec.state.ma.us
- Please visit our website www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk or call the Town Clerks Office at 508-520-4900 for a complete list of available positions.
Who is running so far? Check out the listing of potential candidates posted by the Town Clerk as of 8/16/21 https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/local-election-11-2-2021-nomination-papers-pulled-8-16-2021
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| Still time to pull papers, obtain signatures, and run for Town of Franklin elected positions |
Franklin Library Program: Spark Joy, Franklin - Aug 18
Franklin Library Program: Spark Joy, Franklin!
Spark Joy, Franklin!
Live Q&A, Wednesday, August 18, 7:00 PM
Certified Silver level Konmari Consultant Shannon Honeycutt will be bringing the life-changing magic of tidying to you through her Spark Joy Program. Find out what it means to lead a life that Sparks Joy. You will learn the KonMari philosophy and guiding principles needed to tidy once and for all and leave you feeling motivated to Spark Joy in your home, office, and life! Be sure to have a standard t-shirt and a pair of pants ready for the folding activity as you will be learning the famous KonMari Vertical folding technique.
The pre-recorded program will be available to view at https://sparkjoycharlotte.com/franklin Tuesday, August 17, 7:00 a.m. through Thursday, August 19, 7:00 a.m. The live question and answer session is Wednesday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom.
Shannon Huneycutt is the founder of Spark Joy Charlotte and trained by tidying expert Marie Kondo. Marie is the author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and the creator of the KonMari MethodTM, which is a style of tidying focusing on decluttering and organizing your space by keeping only those items you love.
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| Franklin Library Program: Spark Joy, Franklin - Aug 18 |
Franklin School Committee: Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Aug 19
Policy Sub Committee Meeting
Municipal Building - Council Chambers (Virtual Link in Agenda)
DATE: 8/19/2021 TIME: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
A G E N D A
I. Electronic Distribution of Approved Policies
“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may, in fact, be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”
I. Electronic Distribution of Approved Policies
1. none
II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee
A. none
III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item
A. EBCFA Masks-Face CoveringsB. Review of G policies: GBJ, GCA, GCBC, GCF, GCQFC. Continued review of Policy Section G
Meeting agenda doc with location and connection info
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/8_19_21_policy_subcom_agenda.pdf
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/8_19_21_policy_subcom_agenda.pdf
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| Policy Sub Committee Meeting - Aug 19 |
Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Public Works
The Department of Public Works provides a wide range of services to the residents of Franklin. It is organized into seven (7) Divisions:
1. Administration
2. Engineering
3. Highway and Grounds (including Highway Maintenance and Construction, Central Motors, Snow & Ice, Parks, Town and School Grounds Maintenance and Forestry/Insect Control)
4. Water (including ground water withdrawals, water treatment and distribution)
5. Sewer
6. Solid Waste and Recycling (including the operation of the Beaver St. Recycling Center)
7. Street Lighting
1. Administration
2. Engineering
3. Highway and Grounds (including Highway Maintenance and Construction, Central Motors, Snow & Ice, Parks, Town and School Grounds Maintenance and Forestry/Insect Control)
4. Water (including ground water withdrawals, water treatment and distribution)
5. Sewer
6. Solid Waste and Recycling (including the operation of the Beaver St. Recycling Center)
7. Street Lighting
DPW ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
The major functions of the Administrative Division includes developing capital projects, long range planning, intergovernmental relations and compliance, grant writing, processing various private construction permits and drain layer licenses, purchasing, budgeting, accounting, payroll, and multiple forms of utility billing.
Capital Projects
The Administrative Division, in conjunction with Engineering and the operating divisions, develops major capital projects.
The DPW continues to design and construct long-range projects over three to four years. Progress on specific capital construction projects is outlined in subsequent portions of this report.
It is important to note that many of these projects are performed by existing staff members which saves significant amounts of money by avoiding the need to contract out these services. The process of planning, designing, permitting, and oversite of these projects is an arduous task that requires a great level of coordination and cooperation between DPW divisions and other state, municipal and federal departments.
Grant Writing
The Town continues to implement a grant of $119,000 to develop stormwater infiltration with a private developer on Dean Ave and at other various locations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Mass DEP. We will investigate approaches for Franklin and private parties to work together to meet the permit requirements and save money for all.
The Town once again partnered with the Great American Rain Barrel Company to offer the discounted purchase of rain barrels to Franklin residents. Along with the discount, residents were eligible to receive a $50 rebate through the water conservation rebate grant.
The Town also received over $100,000.00 in recycling grants for our innovative programs at the recycling center in the proper removal and recycling of mattresses and Styrofoam to name a few.
Permits and Long Range Planning
The Town of Franklin also continues to oppose the implementation of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II and the pending Phase II Stormwater Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) as required by the EPA. Phase I required the Town to highly regulate and monitor stormwater throughout the Town at a significantly increased cost. Phase II is projected to include increased regulatory requirements and cost even more. The Department will continue to refine and improve adopted regulations and practices to improve the stormwater in Franklin while minimizing the associated costs.
The Town of Franklin led a coalition of 16 other communities and challenged the EPA in Federal Court. Over the last year, the Town of Franklin has continued in mediation as directed by the Federal Court to try and work out disagreements and costs associated with the new MS4 storm water permit.
Long range planning is critical in the area of Public Works and must be accomplished consistently in order to ensure that the Town water, sewer and roadway infrastructure can support the needs of our residents. With the success of the 20/20 Plan, the Town Council authorized additional funding for waterline replacement and the improvement of roadways. Details on specific locations can be found in other parts of this report. With that funding already allocated, the Town Council continued with additional funding for the waterline replacement and road reconstruction of the Skyline Dr. neighborhood, Oak St Extension, Marvin Ave area and the Stanford Rd area. With the completion of the above mentioned projects we are looking at the next major waterlines and neighborhoods to be rehabilitated.
The DPW has continued to work with both the DEP and the Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation to facilitate the final closing and capping of the Beaver Street Landfill Site.
The Town of Franklin has continued to work with other area towns and conservation groups towards ensuring that regional water supplies are protected.
The DPW is also looking at repairs/replacement of the “Beaver Street Interceptor”, the Town’s primary pipe that conveys sewer to the Charles River Pollution Control District for processing.
Continue reading the DPW section in the Annual Report in the PDF version (page 132) or the print version (#126) https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020
Prior Annual Reports can be found online
Visit the DPW online at https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works
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| Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Public Works |
Franklin Area Nonprofit Network Meeting preparation for the August 23, 2021 session
The Franklin Area Nonprofit Network (FANN) has scheduled its next meeting for all nonprofits for Monday, Aug 23, 2021 at 7:00 PM. A hybrid meeting, we can met in person at the TV studio or virtually via Zoom. Details below.
If you are a member of a nonprofit and someone from your group is not already taking part, feel free to reach out to me (Steve Sherlock) for more info, or join a session to find more about what we are doing to help each other support the Franklin community.
In advance of our next meeting, you can:
1 - Review the Mission, Vision and Core Values in prep for review and discussion
https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/2021/08/fann-steering-committee-has-two-updates.html
2 - Respond to the survey questions on your organization’s grant needs so we can help to coordinate the best response for the group.
Survey on grants:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeH2_hnpdeHji2Jo8zJxC-FP_8OfOD3lWn08I9wYAkFFxWrSg/viewform
3 - Friendly reminder: sign up to introduce your group/org
Organizations can sign up for the “get to know each other list” https://forms.gle/cFTsMSu5y4fwfPkP7
4 - The meeting has been created in Facebook to enable sharing:
- Facebook event -> https://fb.me/e/5ydumaOOR
5 - Check out the updated listing of nonprofits https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/p/area-non-profits.html
Use the form to make updates, changes, or additions
https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/p/directory-addchange.html
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| FANN Meeting preparation for the August 23, 2021 session |
Boston Globe: "The Last Best Shot"
"This state and nation have a clear choice. We can mark the start of a future in which COVID is relegated to little more than a nuisance, or we can watch the disease spiral further out of our grasp. Nearly 18 months after the pandemic shuttered much of the world, we are still in a state of uncertainty, one that threatens to steal yet another season and kill people who don't need to die. This special section is meant to reinforce a simple fact: The only way out is vaccination. For every eligible person. Now. "
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
Watch the video here -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/video/2021/08/17/metro/special-reports/the-last-best-shot/
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| Boston Globe: "The Last Best Shot" |
wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 008 - February 2021
"Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Rev. Cherry, Priest McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their own congregations and how listeners can discover more opportunities to practice faith in their own lives. "
Direct link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9e062e20-b56b-49e2-bf96-16708695a3df
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| wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 008 - February 2021 |
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Franklin Historical Museum: Never Forget September 11, 2001 - A personal reflection
The Franklin Historical Museum is honored to welcome Franklin native, Paul Faenza as presenter in our Second Sunday Speaker Series, Sunday September 12 @ 1:15pm.
Everyone old enough to remember, can recall where they were when they heard about the events of September 11th, 2001. Retired NYPD Sergeant Paul Faenza shares his memories of that day and the days that followed in a one-hour power point presentation. As a member of the New York City Police Department, he responded to the scene immediately after the buildings collapsed and remained at Ground Zero for two weeks.
He details that morning from a personal to a professional level and beyond. From wading through knee high dust to witnessing the collapse of Building 7; searching buildings, digging on the pile, and participating in an honor guard at the temporary morgue. This is not a history lesson, nor a political discussion, it only serves to provide a sense of what occurred that day in New York City from a First Responders point of view.
The purpose of Paul’s presentation is to ensure that people remember the events that occurred on this day twenty years ago. It also serves to remind us of the hundreds who have died or are sick from exposure at Ground Zero. Please consider a donation to www.answerthecall.org . Their mission is to provide financial assistance and a network of support to the families of New York City Police Officers, Firefighters, Port Authority Police, and EMS Personnel who have been killed in the line of duty.
Please join us on this 20th anniversary weekend the 9/11 attacks for Paul’s first-hand account.
In October we welcome author Steve Puleo who will discuss his latest book Voyage of Mercy. A truly remarkable story about America’s first humanitarian mission.
The museum is open Thursday evenings 5pm-7pm; Saturdays 10am-1pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm. Visit our giftshop for fun and unique Franklin gift items. We are wheelchair accessible and admission is always free. Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street.
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| Franklin Historical Museum: Never Forget September 11, 2001 - A personal reflection |
Save the Date - Oct 15 - "Grab Your Monet and Let’s Gogh!"
Welcome to Franklin Democratic Town Committee’s First Live Simulcast Virtual Art Auction coming soon …. presented in collaboration with Arin Ross Auctions, in partnership with Marlin Art …. with art prints from an amazing variety of artists from around the world ….
Something for everyone’s taste and budget! …..from Ansel Adams to Thomas Kincaid to Peter Max to Lucille Raad to Norman Rockwell to Andrew Wyeth and dozens more!
Art available at 1/3 - 1/2 off regular gallery prices!
SAVE THE DATE!
Franklin Democratic Town Committee presents
a Live Simulcast Virtual
ART AUCTION
Grab Your Monet and Let’s Gogh!
WHO: Art lovers anywhere in the Continental United States and supporters of FDTC
WHAT: Our first ever live simulcast Virtual Art Auction Fundraiser
WHEN: Early Registration only Monday, October 4, 2021 at 9:00am EST
Registration, Preview, Pre-bid/Max bid Wednesday Oct 13, 2021 at 9:00am EST
*First 100 people to register during preview are entered
to win a $100 VISA gift card !!*
LIVE Auction: Friday Oct 15, 2021 at 7:00pm EST
WHERE: The comfort and safety of your residence
HOW: Visit bid.marlinart.com
Questions? halpern2127@comcast.net
WHERE: The comfort and safety of your residence
HOW: Visit bid.marlinart.com
- Registration is required to preview artwork and memorabilia and receive your Bid Number.
- Opening bid with full description of each piece will be displayed.
- You will be able to pre-bid and/or set maximum bid.
- REGISTER EARLY! Preview ends at showtime on Friday.
- All artwork shipped anywhere within the Continental United States free of charge
- directly to your residence!
- All persons interested, family, friends, near and far are welcome! This is a nationwide event.
- Something for everyone’s taste and budget!
Questions? halpern2127@comcast.net
Would you like a helpful reminder of dates emailed to you? Send message with Subject Line:
“Art Auction, I want to Gogh!” to halpern2127@comcast.net
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| Save the Date - Oct 15 - "Grab Your Monet and Let’s Gogh!" |
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