Last week, Massachusetts has its first confirmed case of Enterovirus D68. In general, infants, children, and teenagers are most likley to get infected with enteroviruses. Children with asthma have a highger risk for severe respiratory illness. For more information on the virus, how it is spread, and what precautions your family should take, please see the MA Dept. of Public Health’s website.
Archive | September, 2014
New! Municipal Resources Page
Check out our new Municipal Resources page. This includes calendars and materials for the Selectboard Essentials Workshops, Municipal Financial Management Workshops, and Conservation Commission Training program. The Franklin County Municipal Wage & Salary Survey is also now available here.
Opioid Task Force Progress Report
Over a hundred people gathered at Greenfield Community College to hear a progress report from the various subcommittees of the Opioid Education and Awareness Task Force. For more on the issue, view the presentation here: Full Task Force Presentation9 16 14
Citizen Planner Training Collaborative
Are you a member of your local or regional Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, or just interested in the local municipal planning process? Check out the Citizen Planner Training Collaborative fall workshops. The first workshop is at Pioneer Valley Planning Commission on October 8th followed by 20 workshops covering 14 topics in locations ranging from Martha’s Vineyard to Pittsfield. There should be something for everyone.
For more information, including workshops and registration, see the Fall CPTC Flyer.
Municipal Financial Management: Rules of the Game Materials
Materials from the first of our three-part series on municipal financial management are available:
Municipal Financial Management: Rules of the Game

Finance Committee Training at the FRCOG
Together We’re Ready: Massachusetts Prepared
A number of recent events have forged a spirit of togetherness throughout Massachusetts. The pride and community that residents feel across the state has inspired a renewed sense of camaraderie.
The Department of Public Health and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments are excited to celebrate Emergency Preparedness Month. We’re encouraging statewide action and teamwork to prepare your family and help your neighbor. Check out this Youtube video to see how you can get yourself and your family prepared for an emergency.
FRCOG to participate in PARK(ing) Day in downtown Greenfield on Friday, September 19th
The FRCOG, the Town of Greenfield, and the GBA will take over the parking space located on Main Street at the corner of Chapman Street in front of the Brass Buckle Restaurant on Friday, September 19th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. These groups will convert the parking space into a public park for the day and promote local sustainable projects and alternative transportation activities that are occurring in Franklin County.
FRCOG creates a video with instructions on how to load your bike on the bus
The FRCOG has created a new video with instructions on how to load your bike on the bus. Check it out here.
FRCOG Awarded $182,250 in EPA 319 Funds!
The Patrick Administration Announces $1.42 Million in 319 Grants from EPA to Fund Projects Targeting Pollutants that Impact Waterways. The Patrick Administration announced on September 4, 2014 that six projects targeting water pollution from stormwater runoff and erosion have been recommended for more than $1.42 million in grants utilizing funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grant Program. The FRCOG was awarded $182,250 in 319 grant funds for a Watershed-Based Plan to Maintain the Health and Improve the Resilience of the Deerfield River Watershed. Read details of the announcement HERE.
Franklin County Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Saturday, September 20th
GCC Main Campus and Orange Transfer Station
Protect your home and the environment by properly disposing of old or unwanted household chemicals and mercury-containing items. Free to residents of most Franklin County Towns. Pre-register by Sept. 12th to participate. For more information on how to participate, visit www.franklincountywastedistrict.org or call 413-772-2438.