Reporter’s Notebook: A new TA joins the Zoom call; Roy is quick with the hashtag
Hey! There’s a new guy on the Zoom call!
The Select Board welcomes new Town Administrator Evan Brassard to his first meeting as TA, and a memorable one it was — there were lifeguard-free beaches, a guest appearance by the Grafton & Upton Railroad, and a discussion of how to finally appoint a new (strong) fire chief.
Brassard, to his credit, did not run away screaming and actually showed up for work the next day. Mr. Brassard, you are not in Monson anymore.
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Have you missed spending time at the Grafton Municipal Center? Due to the drop in COVID-19 cases and the easing of restrictions in the state, you can once again go inside the hallowed halls.
Just make sure you have an appointment in advance and are in good health. Building Inspector Bob Berger has a device for purifying the air during Covid, and I’m pretty sure you don’t want to see him targeting you.
(Bob, please do not attack me with said device and I’ll bring the beagle for a visit.)
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Following up on the successful “Shop Grafton” campaign in December, which awarded local gift certificates to residents who shopped at Grafton businesses over the holidays, the Economic Development Commission is considering a restaurant campaign.
With restaurants now able serve indoors, and the coming warmer months again opening up outdoor dining, the EDC is hoping to lure more business to the eateries.
“We’re just enthusiastic about the thought of everybody helping restaurants in Grafton,” said Select Board member Doreen DeFazio, the board’s representative to the commission.
When DeFazio mentioned the group was working on a hashtag for the event — we’re guessing for all the Instagram snapshots of dinner, Select Board member Colleen Roy visibly got to work.
“#Grafton2Go or #G2G,” Roy suggested.
More to come on the campaign and when to use those catchy hashtags…
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Speaking of the EDC, the group, joined by John Allen, will host a virtual “Ask a SBA Expert” event on Zoom, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. This event will allow all Grafton Small Business owners the opportunity ask present questions to the guest speaker, Jennifer Marble, a Senior Loan Officer at Homefield Credit Union. Topics of the night will range from securing loans to how the SBA can help local businesses! All small business owners are encouraged to attend to learn about the benefits the SBA can provide. Zoom details:
Meeting ID: 986 8272 2697
Passcode: 643167
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The Select Board also voted to open the warrant for the June 5 Town Meeting, which will once again be held on the Grafton High School football field at 11 a.m. Things for you, the public, to remember:
- There will be chairs on the field but you are welcome to bring your own, as well as giant sunscreen umbrellas or even a little tent;
- Any registered Grafton voter may attend Town Meeting, and really should;
- Last spring, three of the most talked-about items — now-Select Board member Colleen Roy’s diversion of already-appropriated Super Park funds, Select Board member Ed Prisby’s suggestion that the vacant 25 Worcester St. lot be given to the Affordable Housing Trust to be used for senior housing, and Bruce Spinney’s failed attempt to have the town add a third marijuana license — were by citizen’s petition. It takes only 10 certified signatures to get on the warrant and, if you’re of a mind, just a quick email to jennifer@graftoncommon.com to tell me why you’re doing it.
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Jobs? The town is seeking candidates for two key positions:
Assistant Treasurer/Collector: This is a full time position that is responsible for assisting the Treasurer/Collector in accomplishing daily functions, and will act in their absence. The ideal candidate will possess an Associate Degree in Accounting, Business, or a related field plus three years of related work experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Fire Training, Health & Safety Officer: This is a full-time position responsible for creating suitable training, health, and safety programs under the directives of the Fire Chief. The ideal candidate will have an Associate of Sciences (A.S.) Degree in Fire Science or a related field, four (4) years of experience in firefighting, fire and EMS training, in-department health and safety inspections and programs or related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Requires valid driver’s license. Firefighter I/II certification or equivalent; Hazardous Materials Operational Level Responder Certification, Fire Instructor Officer I/II Certification; EMT-Basic or the proven ability to earn the latter two within twelve (12) months of appointment.
For both jobs, submit cover letter, resume, and standard Town job application to the office of Human Resources at 30 Providence Road, Grafton, MA 01519 or at hr@grafton-ma.gov. Only applications received via email or physical mail will be considered. Additional information can be found at https://www.grafton-ma.gov/human-resources.
