Reporter’s Notebook: For the love of God, HIT MUTE

A reminder to residents participating in Grafton government meetings via Zoom: Once you’ve spoken your piece, HIT THE MUTE BUTTON.

Alternatively, make sure whoever is running the meeting shuts down the mic on their end. Because we’ve become so accustomed to Zoom, mistakes are bound to happen.

Just ask Teri Turgeon, who apparently wasn’t quite happy with the response to her questions about the Grafton Fire Department’s request to have Fire Captain Paul Cournoyer named interim chief until a successor to retiring Fire Chief Mickey Gauthier can be found.

Moments later, Turgeon’s voice could be heard on the audio, apparently commenting to someone in her home.

“They seriously don’t know $#@%,” she started, as board members scrabbled to tell her she was still broadcasting.

Turgeon said she contacted Select Board Chair Peter Carlson to apologize but did not hear back from him.

“I left him a message and didn’t hear back from him,” she said. “I never would’ve recorded myself saying that. I was having a private conversation. The TA or his Asst failed to mute me after I asked my questions. I had no idea that I was still audible. The new setting as being made a panelist didn’t leave me w the option of being able to either turn on my video or my microphone.”

Let’s get real: who among us hasn’t let go with a few choice four-letter words during a Select Board meeting in the privacy of your own home? The Grafton Common swear jar has filled and emptied multiple times during the Covid-Zoom era.

GCTV has beeped out the expletive in its posted video. The Select Board, by the way, will discuss the fire chief situation at Tuesday’s meeting.

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What will the stylish dog-about-town be wearing in 2022? The children of Grafton have spoken and the votes are in: The winner is a blue shield!

Town Clerk Kandy Lavallee held the annual children’s “election” pandemic-style this year, opting for an online vote over the traditional polling place outside her office.

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Two Grafton robotics teams competed against more than 40 teams at Framingham High School this weekend. Grafton High’s 58566A team took home the design award. The design award is awarded to the team with the most innovative robot design. Congratulations to 58566A Cole Anderson, Bryan Romano and Amruth Seetharaman. 

Second team 58566B placed second place overall at the competition, winning every match they played in, only losing in the final match. Congratulations to Harsith Thokala, Joshua Anderson and Abdul Mohammed. 

Both Grafton teams advanced to regional competition in March.

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The Town of Grafton is seeking motivated candidates for the position of Maintenance Custodian. This position is 40 hours per week with a salary range of $20.86 – $25.43, 1st shift 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  

The position is responsible for the maintenance, safety and cleanliness of the town buildings. In addition to general maintenance of the building, which includes tasks such as changing light bulbs, cleaning restrooms, and maintaining floors, windows, carpets, furniture and fixtures, the custodian is responsible for snow and ice removal, grounds maintenance and occasional setting up for evening or weekend programs. The custodian will also be responsible for preventive maintenance to Town-owned equipment and facilities.

Candidates must possess knowledge of the use of tools, techniques, equipment, and procedures required in the repair and maintenance of the library; a knowledge of building systems, such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing; and the ability to plan and prioritize work, be self-motivated, and perform multiple tasks within a timely manner. 

Employee must have the ability to operate cleaning and maintenance equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

Qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent, one (1) year prior work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A pre-employment physical will be required.

Letters of interest, resume and applications will be received in the office of the Town Administrator, 30 Providence Road, Grafton MA or by emailing hr@grafton-ma.gov.

Applications can be found at https://www.grafton-ma.gov/human-resources/pages/employment-opportunities-now-hiring?fbclid=IwAR2zAXLmup6tBiLwP4cb0zqM3FFXeco8WdgLhd9NrqPpkyh-rXAI_8HvRKU

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