Monday, February 1, 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

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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  

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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/ 

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!

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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