Boston Globe: "On unemployment in Mass.? You’ll soon be required to look for a job"

"As the state edges closer to a full reopening, the Baker administration on Thursday announced it will reinstate a requirement that anyone receiving unemployment benefits actively search for a job, effective June 15.

Searching for a job was long required of those on unemployment until the pandemic struck, forcing the closings of many businesses and workplaces and wiping out hundreds of thousands of jobs.

The requirement was dropped last spring in recognition to how futile it would be as the state continued to lose jobs.

But the picture has improved since a year ago, when more than 500,000 people were on unemployment."

Continue reading the article online  (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/20/business/unemployment-mass-youll-soon-be-required-look-job/

Dark Sky Park in Maine, first in New England

"A vast expanse of forestland in Maine was designated New England’s first “dark sky park” this week.

A dark sky park is defined as “a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment,” according to the International Dark-Sky Association. The North Maine Woods, where the designated area is located, is one of the darkest areas on the East Coast. The property is owned by the Appalachian Mountain Club.

“While the [Appalachian Mountain Club] North Maine Woods region retains its rugged character defined by the enormity of the forest here, it stands on the advancing edge of development that brings with it the end of the dark night sky,” said Dark Sky Park Superintendent Steve Tatko. “I see this designation as a way for the people of this area to re-envision the immense importance of this forest in a way that makes tangible the intrinsic beauty of the night sky we all cherish.”

Continue reading the article online  (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/19/metro/maine-park-becomes-first-dark-sky-park-new-england/

Visit the International Dark-Sky Association online at -> https://www.darksky.org/

The International Dark-Sky press release can be found here

https://www.darksky.org/amc-maine-woods-announcement/

Town of Franklin acquires 2 electric vehicles with grant

"The TOF was recently awarded $15K in Green Communities Grant funds to purchase 2018 Nissan Leafs! These electric vehicles will be used by the assessors, building dept and health dept staff. They are the 1st electric cars in our fleet. Our plan is to continue replacing gas cars... 

... with electric vehicles to become a more environmentally friendly community! We also installed EV charging stations at the Library and Town Hall and plan to add more at the DPW. Watch for these cars around town! #GoingGreenisKey #franklingoesgreen"

Shared from Twitter:

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1395377707039461381

and

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1395377712806744066

Town of Franklin acquires 2 electric vehicles with grant

This Saturday: Job Fair at URCC Member Plainridge Park Casino

Register Now

Job Fair at URCC Member Plainridge Park Casino This Saturday Register Today May 20, 2021 Plainridge Park Casino 301 Washington Street Plainville Register for the Job Fair Here https://careers-pngaming.icims.com/connect?eventId=163289

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 310 South Street, Plainville, MA 02762 Sent by jack@unitedregionalchamber.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Spring Beautification Volunteers & Sponsors Needed - Today!!!

Planting May 21

VOLUNTEERS & SPONSORS NEEDED The Franklin Downtown Partnership is seeking volunteers and sponsors for its annual Beautification Projects in downtown Franklin. On May 21, members of the FDP, Franklin Garden Club and other volunteers will plant colorful mini-liquorice, purple and white wave petunias and pink gaura flowers in barrels and boxes throughout the downtown area.  Volunteers will meet at 2 p.m. on Fri., May 21 at Fairmount Fruit Farm to pick up the plants and transport them downtown. Then volunteers will plant the barrels in front of various businesses, and finally, the boxes and barrels at the bridge in downtown Franklin. If you can help with the spring planting, please email Eileen Mason. Sponsors are also needed. To see the sponsorship opportunities available, please click here. Then, fill out the sponsorship form here. Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Congressman Auchincloss: Community Office Hours in Franklin this Friday - May 21

Neighbor,  This Friday I'll be hosting community office hours in Franklin and State Representative Jeff Roy will be in attendance as a special guest. This is an opportunity for you to come meet me, talk about issues important to you, and get updates on what I'm doing to serve our community. Details about our visit are below, I hope you'll be able to join me.   Community Office Hours with Congressman Jake Auchincloss and Special Guest State Representative Jeff Roy Friday, May 21, 1-3 pm Intermission Café 36 Main Street (Rear), Franklin, MA 02038 Sincerely, Jake Auchincloss Member of Congress OFFICE LOCATIONS WASHINGTON DC OFFICE • 1524 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515 • Phone: (202) 225-0182 NEWTON DISTRICT OFFICE • 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 • Newton, MA 02458 • Phone : (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO DISTRICT OFFICE • 8 N. Main St. Suite 200 • Attleboro, MA 02703 • Phone : (508) 431-1110 Congressman Auchincloss: Community Office Hours in Franklin this Friday - May 21

Recap: Finance Committee - further discussion required on draft debt stabilization policy

Quick Recap:

• Mostly discussion on the debt stabilization policy outline (no specific text draft yet). There was Q&A and a healthy discussion. Motion ultimately made to table the policy for additional discussion in next meeting. There is no rush to decide now; motion to table to June 16 meeting, passes 9-0
• With the Senate budget now released, Franklin actually is scheduled to lose about $23K from the House budget, however, once Senate makes their budget final, House and Senate will need to reconcile before sending it to the Governor.
• Discussion for June 16 meeting, scheduled for 6 PM start (again before the Town Council at 7) means that the debt stabilization topic is practically the only one for the time allotted.

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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
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #fincom0519
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0519&src=typeahead_click 
 
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/7zJbzAcpmKJneQLr8
 
The agenda doc for this meeting can be found
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/5-19-21_fincom_agenda.pdf

• I am getting ready for the Finance Committee meeting at 6. Are you? The agenda doc and connection info can be found -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/5-19-21_fincom_agenda.pdf. #fincom0519
  
• Meeting opens, full set of membership for this session in Council Chambers. Motion to approve, all 4 sets of minutes for the hearings, seconded, passes 9-0 Moving to budget stabilization policy. #fincom0519
  
• Mostly discussion on the policy, Q&A, good discussion hard to recap until it is done. #fincom0519
  
• Motion to amend, withdrawn. No motions currently. Being tabled for additional discussion as no rush to decide now; motion to table, seconded, amended motion to table to June 16 meeting and review some text, seconded, passes 9-0 #fincom0519
  
• At next meeting masks not required. #fincom0519 Senate proposed budget is $23k less for FY22 than FY21. This is a structural issue and will be seen regularly (Franklin will need to increase support for school budget). For next 5-10 years likely to be similar.
  
• Budget stabilization likely only topic for Jun 16. Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0 #fincom0519

Audio of meeting to be available in a couple of days

Recap: Finance Committee - further discussiostan required on draft debt stabilization policy