Tuesday, February 2, 2021

FPS: Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 3

Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting
Wednesday, Feb 3 - 5:30 PM
Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)


Approval of past minutes (1/28/21)
Discussion action items:

  • Review pros/cons of option #2
  • Decide how to respond to emails going forward
  • Review, edit, and finalize subcommittee summary memo
  • Approve subcommittee summary memo to present to school committee

FPS: Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 3
FPS: Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 3

Too many meeting choices for Wednesday evening Feb 3, 2021

Some meetings nights are quiet, some can be quite challenging. Which meetings shall I report on for Wednesday, Feb 3?

At this point, I'll cover the Board of Health meeting. Franklin TV has the TA meeting (or at least the Town is recording it).

I will need to make a choice between the Davis Thayer Facility (DTFA) meeting and the Economic Development (EDC) meeting. Leaning towards the EDC as the topic is revisiting a prior divisive conversation. The DTFA has already reached consensus on what their recommendation would be. This meeting would start and work the draft. The final discussion and decision is still to be determined when the School Committee takes it up (TBD). I can arrange for a copy of the DTFA recording so I can listen to later and then share.

The Town Council meeting will then be the priority for however long that goes.

And until the 'clone option' works for me, the Historical Commission is left out of the coverage. If you know some one who would want to cover it, let me know.


5:00pm = Board of Health Meeting

5:00pm = Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting

5:30pm = Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting  (2 - second choice)

5:45pm = Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting  (1 - leaning towards)

6:30pm = Historical Commission Meeting

7:00pm = Town Council Meeting


School calendar is https://www.franklinps.net/node/260/events/day/2021-02-03

Town calendar is https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar/day/2021-02-03

Too many meeting choices for Wednesday evening Feb 3, 2021
Too many meeting choices for Wednesday evening Feb 3, 2021


Town of Franklin: February 2021 E-Newsletter

Read the Town of Franklin: February 2021 E-Newsletter online


Town of Franklin: February 2021 E-Newsletter
Read the Town of Franklin: February 2021 E-Newsletter online

Franklin Senior Center: CONNECTION NEWSLETTER for February 2021

CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Your Monthly Franklin Senior Center Newsletter

 

Boston Globe: Black History Month - Film Festival

"At this pivotal moment in our nation's history, The Boston Globe honors films and filmmakers documenting the Black experience and the continued plight of systemic racism in the United States. Join us throughout the month of February to view and discuss newly-released films alongside time-honored classics. "
Find the schedule of films for the festival here (subscription may be required)
https://blackhistorymonthfilmfestival.splashthat.com/ 

Franklin Senior Center: Quarantini Time Tuesday at 5 PM


Click below to join Quarantini time Tuesday at 5 PM
 
https://zoom.us/j/97419259989?pwd=Yks2UXVWM3kyMmZqcyt4OForRFFNQT09

Meeting ID: 974 1925 9989
Passcode: 284462


--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small
 
Franklin Senior Center: Quarantini Time Tuesday at 5 PM
Franklin Senior Center: Quarantini Time Tuesday at 5 PM

 

Artists and creatives should respond to this survey!

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, in partnership with the Town of Franklin, City of Beverly, City of Boston, and Town of Arlington, is collecting data from artists and creative workers to help municipalities respond to impacts of COVID-19 on artists, arts organizations, creative activity, and civic life. 

Please take five to ten minutes to fill out our survey to help the arts thrive in our region! We’ll use the results to assess the effect of COVID on artists and creative organizations and to create strategies for local governments to help.  

To learn more about the project visit  https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/arts-indicators/

Action =>  Artists and creatives can respond to the survey    https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1QRuz8Ww3Jwu1A9

Artists and creatives should respond to this survey!
Artists and creatives should respond to this survey!


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

 

Parking Ban & Curbside Trash/Recycling Pick-Up - 2/01/21

Parking Ban & Curbside Trash/Recycling Pick-Up 2/1/21

Due to the impending snow storm, there will be a full parking ban from 4 pm today through tomorrow morning.

If your trash is not picked up today, it will be picked up tomorrow.

Stay safe!


Parking Ban & Curbside Trash/Recycling Pick-Up - 2/01/21
Parking Ban & Curbside Trash/Recycling Pick-Up - 2/01/21


Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 3, 2021

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
February 3, 2021 - 5:45 PM


Agenda:

1. Section 19 Farmer Series License - Bylaw and Food Truck review for Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries


Agenda doc contains the connection info

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 3, 2021
Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 3, 2021


Project Envoy's Jane Fulton talks about "eat in, take out, and help out" (audio)

FM #449 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 449 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jane Fulton. She is part of the Franklin Interfaith Council - Food Security Team. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

  • Project Envoy
  • Calendar set for February, March, and April
  • Eat in, take out at the restaurant of the day (per calendar)
  • This helps out the restaurant during the pandemic
  • The restaurant in turn will contribute a portion of the sales to help out the Franklin Food Pantry
  • A win, win, win for Franklin

The link to the Project Envoy page is included in the show notes. Our conversation runs about 16 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jane Fulton. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXx1tMqS

--------------

Link to Project Envoy page = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/project-envoy/

Link to February calendar = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Envoy-calendar-February.1.27.21.pdf 

Hashtag your social post with  #ProjectEnvoy  #noonegoeshungryFranklin  

-------------

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/ 

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"

Project Envoy's Jane Fulton talks about "eat in, take out, and help out" (audio)
Project Envoy's Jane Fulton talks about "eat in, take out, and help out" (audio)


MetroWest Daily News: "Emma White is sending Franklin gymnastics to new heights"

"The Franklin High gymnastics team finished sixth at South Sectionals last year but have taken a massive leap this winter.
One of the major reasons why is the addition of Level 10 gymnast, junior Emma White. White had competed in club gymnastics her first two years of high school before deciding to join the Panthers.
In Friday's meet against Oliver Ames at All Around Gymnastics Academy in Plainville, White continued to prove why she has been such a great addition for Franklin.
White’s night got started on vault where she cruised to a 9.45 score before moving over to bars where she broke her own school record of 9.55 with a near perfect score, posting a 9.8 as her performance was highlighted with an overshoot from high to low bars and a toe catch from low to high."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)



Good news from Teddy Gallagher's GoFundMe effort

 "To All of Our Friends, Family and Loyal Customers,

Joe, Chris, and I would like to thank each of you all from the bottom of our hearts for your loving and generous contribution to the Go-Fund Me. Closing Teddy’s was one of the hardest things we have had to do, it was heartbreaking to say goodbye to our loved and valued employees. Our nephew Ricky Robidoux decided to do this Go-Fund me event and we are forever grateful. Ricky and some of our favorite talented musicians put on one of the best musical performances. During COVID not only have the restaurants been effected but the lives of these musicians has been as well, and during this difficult time they sang their hearts out for us.

Because of all of you, we will be able to re-open Teddy’s!!! We hope to in March, but we will keep you posted to the exact date. As the restrictions lift and more people are vaccinated, and people no longer fear for their safety we will host an event for all our contributors. Joe, Chris, and I would like to thank each and everyone one of you personally. If you posted anonymously, please share your email with us, if you are able.

Once again, words cannot even begin to express how appreciative we are to each and everyone of you. Thank you to the musicians, our friends, our family, our customers, our employees, and our Franklin Community.

With gratitude and all the best wishes…

Joe, Dori, and Chris Gallagher"



GoFundMe: Teddy Gallagher's find raiser
GoFundMe: Teddy Gallagher's find raiser


CommonWealth Magazine: "Consider the potential of water utility jobs"

 

“WHEN I GROW UP, I want to be a wastewater operator.” That is probably not a commonly heard sentiment, but we think it should be, especially for our young people who have been historically marginalized.

When it comes to “green jobs,” typically it’s the clean energy industry – solar or offshore wind – that comes to mind. Yet there are thousands of good-paying jobs related to the delivery of clean water, disposal of wastewater, and management of stormwater. And right now there is a near-crisis as more people — generally older white men — are retiring from these water, wastewater, and stormwater jobs than are entering them. Retirement eligibility in the water utility world is estimated to be as high as 30 to 50 percent."

Continue reading the article online

Visit the Town of Franklin Stormwater Division page for info on the program here
One of the key topics for discussion at the Town Council meeting Wednesday is the stormwater utility fee proposal. 

Department of Public Works: Stormwater Document for Feb 3 discussion  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._storm_water_presentation.pdf


Link to presentation copy from one of the Stormwater Information Session in 2020   https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/town-of-franklin-stormwater-info-session-2

Volunteer's needed for "Virtual Neighbor" program

This program is open to any senior who would like to connect with a volunteer for a  friendly conversation. Volunteers will call a senior to check in on them, carry on  conversations and just spend time getting to know each other.

  • If you would like to receive phone calls from a volunteers, please call Joanna Braley at 508-949-6640 ext. 3031.
  • If you would like to become a Virtual Neighbor, please sign up at www.trivalleyvolunteers.org
Download a copy of the flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u-eqa8lI17AenW26MZyVVCYcoULgndDw/view?usp=sharing


This program is similar to that discussed in the recent interview shared here. The Norfolk County RSVP office is offering free training for seniors to become virtual neighbors or help with literacy. If you missed the posting, the audio is available here

Volunteer's needed for "Virtual Neighbor" program
Volunteer's needed for "Virtual Neighbor" program


Volunteer Snow Shoveler's Needed

Neighborhood volunteers are needed to help residents aged 60 and older with snow removal. Volunteers would create a path which allows the resident, emergency response personnel, Meals on Wheels delivery people, mail carriers and other visitors to get in and out of the house safely. 

The volunteer will shovel for that same resident after each snowstorm. Teenagers welcome over the age of 12 with parental waiver completed.

Volunteers needed in the following towns:

Bellingham, Blackstone, Brookfield, Charlton, Douglas, Dudley, E. Brookfield, Franklin, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millville, Northbridge, N. Brookfield, Oxford, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, Warren, Webster & W. Brookfield

Sign up at www.trivalleyvolunteers.org or call Joanna Braley at 508-949-6640 x-3031

Download a copy of the flyer:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZNjdl7bOGOUeuvZPNv7Wtb0oprjCZKwE/view?usp=sharing


Volunteer Snow Shoveler's Needed
Volunteer Snow Shoveler's Needed


Reminder: Franklin Cultural District Partnership Meeting - Feb 1

Dear Cultural District Partners, 

Tonight the Franklin Cultural District Partners will be meeting at 7:00 PM to discuss the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Franklin Cultural District "Recovery and Rebuilding Grant". Below you will find the Zoom link for this meeting. Attached you will find the agenda for the meeting.

We hope to see you all this evening.

Regards,

Nancy Schoen
Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee

The Cultural District Committee is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Cultural District Partners Meeting - February 1, 2021 7:00 PM

Meeting ID: 822 8634 0536
One tap mobile  +19292056099,,82286340536# US (New York)

Dial by your location          +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 822 8634 0536
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcM9DGAxS

Agenda doc

Reminder: Franklin Cultural District Partnership Meeting - Feb 1
Reminder: Franklin Cultural District Partnership Meeting - Feb 1


5 Ways SSA.gov Saves You Time

"Our online tools and services save you time and make your life easier. Often, there’s no need to contact us. Here are five of our webpages that can make your life easier:

1. With your own personal my Social Security account, you can request a replacement Social Security card, verify your earnings, get future benefit estimates, obtain benefit verification letters."

Continue reading to find the other 4 ways SSA,gov can help


5 Ways SSA.gov Saves You Time