WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=S9cXuc7D8BI Part: 1 1 00:00:05.359 --> 00:00:26.160 Okay, I'm gonna Yeah. Okay. >> We're going to before I call on I I wanted the You all should have gotten a copy of the April 27 2 00:00:26.160 --> 00:00:54.640 minutes. We did not have a meeting last month to employ to approve second. >> All right. Uh I am extremely pleased. I've been in this community since 3 00:00:54.640 --> 00:01:18.320 1969. the ofas because the old pastor who was the old pastor what was his name >> father I was a banker he was a policeman up in 4 00:01:18.320 --> 00:01:35.920 Maine and when he went to school I gave him a student along to to become pastor. All right. I am more than pleased to introduce for those of you that don't 5 00:01:35.920 --> 00:01:53.680 know the the new pastor at St. Matias, Father Thomas. And I asked him to come to HRC to share his mission and goals of his parish. and 6 00:01:53.680 --> 00:02:10.479 we can answer ask him any questions. The floor is yours. >> Thanks so much. Well, it's uh so wonderful uh to be with uh so many of you that are um looks like both politically but socially engaged in our community and want to see How are you? >> Good to see you. Good to see you as 7 00:02:10.479 --> 00:02:26.239 always. Oh my gosh. Um but it's so great to be around uh so many people that are um that want to see Franklin thrive, that want to see Somerset thrive. and I've been appointed to be the pastor of St. Matias Parish in August. And uh 8 00:02:26.239 --> 00:02:42.640 for those of you uh who who aren't c Catholic Christians, the way it works is um we're overseen by a bishop which uh is the dascese of Matuchen. So the bishop oversees a geographical area and our bishop uh over well we don't have one right now but before he went uh he 9 00:02:42.640 --> 00:02:58.400 got moved he got a promotion. He's down in New Orleans now, but we're awaiting a bishop. But so the bishop appointed me in August and uh to to this parish to serve um for probably 6 to 12 years, if not more. That's about the term of a of a pastor if if you're you're unaware. 10 00:02:58.400 --> 00:03:14.959 And um so yeah, so I oversee the entire operation of the school and the parish. Uh and uh yeah, it's been it's been wonderful kind of getting situated and getting to know all the parishioners. We have a few people here today. Um, we have a big school as many of you are 11 00:03:14.959 --> 00:03:30.319 aware. It's preK through 8th grade. So, part of my my vision is to see that that school grow, right? That that's, you know, a vision, right? We want to um I believe we inherited when I first got here, we had about 180 and very quickly the new principal and I were able to get 12 00:03:30.319 --> 00:03:46.080 enrollment up to 218. So, we're projecting 230 for this upcoming year. So, we've done a lot of uh marketing and advertising. We put together a strategic marketing plan. uh to continue to um to promote the school uh as an option. You know, I know that there's a lot of 13 00:03:46.080 --> 00:04:01.200 options. I know Franklin Township schools uh have only been improving as well as the charter schools in town. Uh but there's another option like the Catholic education model as well. Um which uh again vision u my vision isn't that Catholic education is just 14 00:04:01.200 --> 00:04:17.040 academic, but it's a formative experience, right? And we have the unique privilege of being able to form young men and women in the Christian tradition to help build character, strong moral fiber and backbone uh and to help them be um really good members of their community wherever they find 15 00:04:17.040 --> 00:04:33.600 themselves. So that's kind of my vision of the type of student, you know, that I'd like to um graduate from St. Matias School. Uh we have a large grounds, right? We have a we have a really large property. We have about 12 acres of property. So vision I I kind of foresee us being able to uh offer community 16 00:04:33.600 --> 00:04:48.720 events. One of the big things that we did this past year is we did a festival. Uh so it was the 60th anniversary of this school and uh we got several awards and I just want to thank the township again for for uh recognizing and honoring us uh for for having a 17 00:04:48.720 --> 00:05:05.199 longstanding tradition of um of of being participants in this town, being positive participants. Um and we want to continue to do that. And if there's ideas that the township has, you know, part part of our church law that I have to follow is we can't be overtly 18 00:05:05.199 --> 00:05:20.160 political. Uh we're not partisan. I can't invite a political candidate to give a speech or to advocate on behalf of themselves. Um but uh but but we can um participate in our community and support our leadership and um and participate kind of in a nonpartisan 19 00:05:20.160 --> 00:05:36.320 way. Um, so yeah, we're looking forward to to continuing to bring people together uh to to growing our community, not forcing our community on others, but uh but but to being, you know, open doors and I don't if you're familiar with St. Matias's motto, but but all are welcome. That that's kind of the motto 20 00:05:36.320 --> 00:05:52.000 of St. Matias, which I think works really well in uh in such a diverse town, the township of Franklin. Um we're we're looking to do some some projects in the future. You know, I don't know how long it'll take. We're doing a feasibility study uh to see if we can add a gymnasium. That's one of the 21 00:05:52.000 --> 00:06:08.319 things that I think holds us back a little bit and I think is a big area of opportunity. You know, if we can add a gymnasium to part of the back of our property like right back against the school, maybe a little bit of the parking lot area. Um but that could serve as an opportunity for for township space. You know, if people wanted to do 22 00:06:08.319 --> 00:06:23.919 wreck wreck basketball or things like that, we could rent it out. Um it would give us an opportunity to provide gym to provide more extracurricular activities. Um, yeah. So, that that's just a few things I'm working on. Um, you know, I have a good staff. I have an associate 23 00:06:23.919 --> 00:06:38.880 priest with me and we have a summer seminarian. So, uh, we're looking to kind of I'm kind of getting organized in in this stage right now. And we're, uh, have some some personnel changes and things like that. But, um, you know, we're looking to get a get a good plan, stabilize, and and really really look to 24 00:06:38.880 --> 00:06:54.880 the future to to to provide, you know, the best, uh, church we can and the best, um, community we can. um you know to to integrate within the township. So that's all I got. >> Walk around. >> Well, I think I think a festival kind of kind of you know >> have a con a little bit. 25 00:06:54.880 --> 00:07:16.960 >> I know. I know. I know. We'll think about it. Yeah. We'll see. >> Huge undertaking. >> Yeah. If Edmond's willing to be in charge. >> Yeah. No more carnival. >> Okay. Father, I'm happy to have you here. >> Thanks. 26 00:07:16.960 --> 00:07:35.120 >> You know, um I grew up in the a Catholic community. Started as a mass servant, attended almost all my the sacraments, my baptism in the Catholic church, confirmation in the Catholic church, and I received a 27 00:07:35.120 --> 00:07:49.199 church. >> Oh, okay. and my father was on the line of being a priest but in Africa was a different thing alto together so was the only son then so they said no no no but 28 00:07:49.199 --> 00:08:06.479 fortunately for us now in our family my cousin now he's taking that position he's in the seminary actually he's in the apostolic uh he's doing his apostolic work right now >> yeah so by next year my family will have our first reverend 29 00:08:06.479 --> 00:08:24.000 And we can't wait to see that you know because we are entirely Catholic entirely Catholic. >> So that is when I see see you and see other fathers I know what it is and I feel very very happy to be the husband 30 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:40.399 where we are born and train in the Catholic community. Thank you for being here today. >> And and I belong to a different religion, but I went to a Catholic school and a Catholic college and I came to your church for camp. 31 00:08:40.399 --> 00:08:55.440 >> Oh my gosh. It always brings you back for something interesting. And my children went to Catholic school in New Orleans. >> Oh wow. >> New Orleans. >> Yeah. Archbishop Czechio, our former bishop, that's where he got transferred 32 00:08:55.440 --> 00:09:11.760 to. So any comment? No, >> we're very proud of everything we do at St. Matias and um particularly of the Yes, I'm still singing and and uh father has been an injection of uh enthusiasm 33 00:09:11.760 --> 00:09:29.279 and and new energy and lots of beautiful things are happening and in my faith I like to say the Holy Spirit is moving amongst us. So >> I agree. I've been a parishioner for since 2004 when we moved from Raway 34 00:09:29.279 --> 00:09:46.000 which is uh yeah arch dascis of New York. Uh and it's been a good time. I've been a member of the Filipino Association which I know you're trying to revive and we are hoping that it will be you 35 00:09:46.000 --> 00:10:02.959 know alive again. >> It hasn't been. >> And we used to have a fasam choir which we don't. and of course he's a member of that too. So we look forward to that and thank you for leading us. >> Yeah, Johnny. >> Yes. Well, I was only going to say that 36 00:10:02.959 --> 00:10:20.000 ever since uh I'm from the hood. Maybe you don't know what that is now, but you know >> I'm familiar. >> Okay, you and we've always had a lot of respect and heart for St. Matias and 37 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:35.279 because it always somebody somebody in the within that group was a part of St. died and I've always cuz I was the contact person that they contacted whenever you came to I heard about the carnivals and I'm so disappointed that 38 00:10:35.279 --> 00:10:50.800 you no longer car I was I don't know I forgot the lady's name but it was a lady that was in charge of the carnival and she would always give the lower economic people certain amount of tickets for c 39 00:10:50.800 --> 00:11:08.079 in the carnival and I was able to carry 20 or 30 pigs out there. We load up buses and things and we go to St. Matias and she would now thank St. Matias for that and and for her goodwill and for the people at St. 40 00:11:08.079 --> 00:11:23.440 >> do more good stuff. I assure you that. So, uh yeah, the carnival ended before I got there. So, >> so I think it was co I think during co it just kind of came to a natural >> ending and then and then Father Abraham just wasn't wasn't able to to bring it 41 00:11:23.440 --> 00:11:41.200 back. So a lot of work >> you know a lot of work. >> We used to have meetings there for the Frank Council and in fact we would like to invite you to them. Have you gone to any of the meetings? 42 00:11:41.200 --> 00:11:57.839 >> I think I have one on my calendar. I think so. Yeah. >> We used to have meetings. >> Sure. Sure. Sure. Sure. >> Anybody else? >> Keep running your bus trips. >> All right. I'm from Holly Trinity Lutheran, but we've got invited to some of the bus trips. The last one was to 43 00:11:57.839 --> 00:12:13.279 Sight and Sound in Lancaster. Yeah. Yeah. And so, um, we're just on Amwell Road, Pastor Jan. So, um, if you have a chance, give him a call. Get to know him because he's finding his way around the community. He came up in around the same 44 00:12:13.279 --> 00:12:32.079 time you did. >> No, not for me. Thank you. >> Hey, well, thank you all. Thank you all for coming. you. You could stay, but uh you don't have to. If if the HRC can help you in any way, they're here. See, we're an active 45 00:12:32.079 --> 00:12:48.240 group. We have Edna and Norah has been have with us, Mr. Tibs. They've been there for a long time, so they know what the HRC can do. So, have 46 00:12:48.240 --> 00:13:11.079 some new blood now. So, Please call upon us. He's >> from St. >> CL. >> You're a regular. >> I'm trying to get out of purgatory. 47 00:13:12.160 --> 00:13:27.440 >> Yeah. >> Before I let Father Tom go, you have any comments with Father Tom before he leaves? >> No. >> Welcome. >> Thanks. things. >> He comes from North Brunswick. He was he was the principal of the high school 48 00:13:27.440 --> 00:13:45.200 there. So, we adopted him Frank. >> All right. We'll let you continue on on with your business. Thanks so much for having me. >> All right. Thank you. >> All right. Thanks you guys. >> Thank you. >> All right. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Welcome. 49 00:13:45.200 --> 00:14:04.880 >> Okay. Let's let's begin. Number one, uh, we have to say goodbye unfortunately to Elang Cathia this coming Friday. He's been of your help to us doing the 50 00:14:04.880 --> 00:14:24.320 minutes. I call upon him minutes. I have appointed a new junior commissioner who will come with us next meeting and we'll introduce her. So 51 00:14:24.320 --> 00:14:41.680 you have any comment about the HRC? >> Um of course wish you luck and going to Georgia Tech which is which is a great school. >> Thank you. >> Have any comment? Um, yeah. So, I'm really like grateful for like this 52 00:14:41.680 --> 00:14:57.440 opportunity because like I was able to learn a lot more about the township that I never like would have known about if I didn't like uh take part in like HRC. And it's been like really fun, you know, taking minutes and listening to what everyone has to say. And also, thank you to like Dia too, like she's also great. 53 00:14:57.440 --> 00:15:14.959 >> And um thank you to Gary for everything. >> Yeah, basically. >> So, I wish you all luck in the world. If you need any references, we're happy to give it to you. So, but lots of luck. Have a great graduation. 54 00:15:14.959 --> 00:15:33.839 Um, anything new with the brochure? >> I'm studying aerospace engineer. >> Thank you. >> Before anything do, >> uh, well, we said we're going to do a 55 00:15:33.839 --> 00:15:49.839 postcard, right? >> So, um, I went to Staples. a price on it. Uh $44 for 100 and for 200 uh it was like uh 99 something on it. Uh the question the lady had was Eddie help me 56 00:15:49.839 --> 00:16:06.240 out where remember I submitted we were talking. Do we have that on a link the uh postcard? >> I had the hard copy when I went in. >> I think I emailed you the link. >> Okay. So how do I get the I'm not real text. How do I get the link? The lady 57 00:16:06.240 --> 00:16:22.600 said, "Give her the link and then they can make the copies." >> Uh, yeah. Hopefully, you could just forward her the link. >> Just forward a link. Okay. So, we should have it for next event. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And you have the money, right? 58 00:16:22.639 --> 00:16:38.480 >> With the proof. >> Okay. >> We'll need some cash for that. >> Yeah. Do Do they like print one out for you so you can see? >> I did. I showed it to her the one that we showed in the meeting here and she said if you brought the link or had the 59 00:16:38.480 --> 00:17:01.160 link to go to the council 45 >> you have to go to the >> yeah council has stop I know council has to approve it >> oh yeah those who took the donation box right here 60 00:17:01.360 --> 00:17:20.559 >> okay we'll Move on. The uh Hometown Heroes flag banner is going with great guns. Thanks especially to Edna and Samina and everybody else. And I I know we got a couple of nice emails 61 00:17:20.559 --> 00:17:36.000 today. Can you make your report? >> Sure. So, um, uh, Safy Callen, uh, who is the project manager for the township, I had reached out to her, um, a few weeks ago to find out how we can move this forward, you know, what we need to 62 00:17:36.000 --> 00:17:51.280 do to to get it, uh, and council eyes on it, um, so it can be approved. So, um, earlier today, um, she sent an email um, saying that we have the go-ahehead to go before the council and that I can present to the council at the July 63 00:17:51.280 --> 00:18:09.440 meeting. Um and uh she needs me to provide her with the the um uh not metrics but measurements for um the size of the banners etc. so that um she can work with the the team that 64 00:18:09.440 --> 00:18:25.760 works on these things in the township to make sure that you know the right size is available and where they can put um she's identified 32 spots where the banners can be hung um in here in township plaza. So as we had discussed 65 00:18:25.760 --> 00:18:41.280 um at these meetings many months ago um we will start by featuring the banners here. Um and she she is asking me is it uh deceased as well as living? Um my recommendation of course is that it be deceased and living. All the towns 66 00:18:41.280 --> 00:18:57.200 around uh surrounding us and throughout the state feature living as well as deceased members of um of their uh who are connected to their town. In some cases it's someone who is currently serving um and lives in town. It might 67 00:18:57.200 --> 00:19:13.440 also be someone who used was born here but now lives somewhere else. Certainly that's not mentioned in the banner. It's just the person's picture and their um their rank and what uh what um branch of the military they serve in. That's 68 00:19:13.440 --> 00:19:30.640 usually what's there. So now that oh and I should uh say that before um if you recall I circulated a presentation amongst us you know which mention things like okay the banners can be this size um x amount of banners 69 00:19:30.640 --> 00:19:47.520 would cost this etc etc um so she took a look at that again I have been working with her over the last many months um she took a look at it again and made some recommendations that that be condensed because most of what was in there was for our discussion and that did not need to necessarily go to the 70 00:19:47.520 --> 00:20:02.720 council. So she said, you know, give us some graphics, give us um a timetable, uh give us pricing. Um so this is a much more shrunken down uh for lack of a better word um presentation. And so I'll 71 00:20:02.720 --> 00:20:18.799 wait for the date um so that you know we can come out in mass if if we're available on that uh July. And once it's presented to the council, um, which may they may have it in hand prior to that July meeting, I would like to then share 72 00:20:18.799 --> 00:20:37.039 it with the, uh, local veterans. You know, I did not want to share it with them until the council had eyes on it because obviously the council should see it first. Um, and also Assemblyman Danielson's office, his chief of staff had, you know, I had offered a a copy of 73 00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:52.559 the presentation to him, too. But again, until the council had uh not seen it, and I met months ago with the with the assemblyman's chief of staff, they had said they had pledged their support for the project. And at the Memorial Day event, the gorgeous event that we had, 74 00:20:52.559 --> 00:21:08.240 the parade, and then we had the beautiful ceremony here in council chambers, um I had spoken to a gentleman named Sam, who is the leader of the veterans group in Franklin. Um and he said they were very interested in learning more and of course they 75 00:21:08.240 --> 00:21:25.200 obviously they would want to lend support to something so wonderful. So >> canal walk. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Canal walk. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, um we have taken some uh best practices 76 00:21:25.200 --> 00:21:41.600 from the Manville um township because they have their own um banner project also and so Safy Ken, I mentioned this many months ago, Safy was in touch with the mayor's office so that we could learn what was best and how best to go about doing this. So, 77 00:21:41.600 --> 00:21:57.840 it's been a a real collaboration. So, we'll go before the council. They'll maybe they'll show it on the screens. I'm not sure what what the process will be. I'll speak briefly to it and uh and I look forward to getting their blessing. I'm sure we all do. Um look 78 00:21:57.840 --> 00:22:14.000 forward to them blessing the project and then they'll be moving forward with it. >> You need the okay from from McCarthy to put you on the agenda. >> Safi is doing all that. >> Yeah. Safi is working with 79 00:22:14.000 --> 00:22:29.600 >> make sure I'll counselor. >> Yes, you've been on all the email. >> Yes. And I think I sent an email to to you, right? >> I had a discussion with the mayor. >> I said it's okay, but uh >> because we have to make sure that that you're on the agenda. And 80 00:22:29.600 --> 00:22:45.679 >> yeah, Safi's email says um she will work with the clerk's office. >> Okay. >> To schedule the July council presentation. >> Then you'll tell us and all of us that can come to that council meeting. >> Yeah, that's what I'm saying. Whoever can lend their support >> help 81 00:22:45.679 --> 00:23:02.400 if if makes a presentation support some support for her can make any comment doing comments and our leaison will help us with that shall we right >> yes 82 00:23:02.400 --> 00:23:17.520 >> so one of the things that she says is that we're going to have to move rather quickly I mean at this point we we cannot um it would have been ideal to have the banner ers fly from or be be hung rather from, you know, spring 83 00:23:17.520 --> 00:23:32.880 through November, you know, through Veterans Day because typically towns take them down in the winter because they get damaged so they don't hang. So, we miss that window, but hopefully, you know, um once we launch it, you know, even if we're launching it later on 84 00:23:32.880 --> 00:23:50.000 closer to fall officially, then, you know, we would hang them again in the in the spring, you know, with be spring of 2027. But I think it's very apppropo that we are presenting this project on this 250th anniversary when we are honoring those who have served the 85 00:23:50.000 --> 00:24:08.320 country and who served in the name of um of freedom and uh the ideals that we all hold true. So it makes sense that we introduce this project to the town now. I think just timing is everything worked out. put the HRC on the 86 00:24:08.320 --> 00:24:24.880 map with the township council because not that they know not that they don't know about us but with this presentation it it'll really put the HRC on the map 87 00:24:24.880 --> 00:24:41.600 which I want to happen Charlie and everybody else. Safy has also asked to um that we get this on the website quickly and what communications we're going to send to families really to everyone to you know because we may not know of all families certainly the 88 00:24:41.600 --> 00:24:56.960 veterans group I'm sure will help us to identify families who might want to hang a banner um a lot of this the company we're going to buy from gates flags and banners they put up the flags up in Manville they already have a lot of 89 00:24:56.960 --> 00:25:13.919 these things they have in a sheet that's filled out, a form that gets filled out by the families. Um, I already drafted copy six, seven, eight months ago to go on the website. That would have to be approved obviously by the council and by safy to go on the website um announcing 90 00:25:13.919 --> 00:25:28.960 the project. Um, I haven't spoken to the media yet because, you know, it wasn't officially going before the council yet, but obviously I'll speak to Tap into and the Franklin reporter about them advertising it and they could have a a link to where on the website the form 91 00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:48.880 can be found to fill out. >> If someone could help Ed with the presentation, maybe you could help a little bit. I was told it would be like five minutes, so I don't I don't think it's anything major. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I don't think >> All right. Thank you very much. Looks 92 00:25:48.880 --> 00:26:29.600 like you're doing a good job. Good job. >> And hopefully we can >> Yes. >> Let's see what the council said. You have some videos. Look at it. All 93 00:26:31.120 --> 00:26:47.440 right. You going to do the certificate? Is that on the agenda? >> Oh, the certificate. >> The certificate. I think uh someone printed out >> that we get to our speakers like uh >> Right. >> Right. Someone printed it out, I think. 94 00:26:47.440 --> 00:27:03.120 Um >> Yeah. Who did that? >> Someone had printed out the certificate. Oh, I presented um I I presented a draft of something that could be used, >> but I wasn't there a concern. Um >> yeah, I think we suggested that maybe we 95 00:27:03.120 --> 00:27:20.159 should get it through the uh through Safi maybe or >> per I think that was the issue that that perhaps the the township has something already. So there's no need for us to reinvent the wheel if I'm not mistaken. That was that sounds right. >> So I'll reach out to Chappie then. Okay. 96 00:27:20.159 --> 00:27:36.320 in regards that because actually what I thought we would do is when this >> Yeah. >> And Marie >> Amarie McCarthy >> and uh and then what h would happen is we can get I picked these up at the dollar store put them in a in like a 97 00:27:36.320 --> 00:27:51.039 plaque and like the priest was here today and just present it to them for you know >> taking time to speak to our our committee >> you know so they'd have something like that. Last I thought maybe we could do it today, but we'll probably officially like you said there's probably one. 98 00:27:51.039 --> 00:28:08.799 Sorry for some dental work. Um that um I'm go to Amber McCarthy who's the clerk. Right. Right. Okay. Ask her. >> Okay. >> Yeah. If there isn't maybe there's a template. >> We were saying that the logo but that they perhaps they had something. Right. 99 00:28:08.799 --> 00:28:25.840 I think we need to decide what we want that to say and do we want different uh different ones for different things or is it just to express appreciation that it not say anything specific like thanks 100 00:28:25.840 --> 00:28:42.320 for coming to speak to us you know it's like you know in appreciation for blah blah blah blah and then maybe the council uh and the township have something already that we could use that we would just reproduce so that would be the question, do they have something or do we need and if we need to produce 101 00:28:42.320 --> 00:28:57.120 something then they need to give us the graphic of the logo. >> I thought the wording that you had was very good. I just my personal it was just nice and short and generic and we give it to each speaker. >> She's very good. She could 102 00:28:57.120 --> 00:29:13.679 >> Yeah. So, uh, what I'll do because I printed a copy of it, uh, so I'll give it to the clerk and see if they have one that they give out in general and then we'll go from there. >> Would they print it? >> Yeah. >> The other thing. Yeah. >> Yeah, I think they'll print. 103 00:29:13.679 --> 00:29:27.760 >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you, Pete. Um, we have a new school superintendent that was approved by the board of education. He is currently the superintendent in Manville. and he was 104 00:29:27.760 --> 00:29:46.399 appointed dragon and hopefully he'll come to us our next meeting which is March 22nd. So hopefully we'll have to always have working close with Dr. Rali 105 00:29:46.399 --> 00:30:03.200 who's retiring and he did a he did a great job. So hopefully I did have occasion to talk to the superintendent walks to the Lebanese uh uh church on 106 00:30:03.200 --> 00:30:18.720 Eastern Avenue, Eastern Avenue all the way down just before you get to Landing Lane Bridge. So hopefully he'll come to us next month. >> His name's uh >> Yeah, >> right is his name. I I think he's a 107 00:30:18.720 --> 00:30:36.279 graduate of Franklin. Yeah, I think so. I think he's gradu now as a superintendent. He just resigned. He was there for about five, eight years. >> Yeah, I talked to him and it seems very energetic. >> Um, >> right. 108 00:30:37.919 --> 00:30:54.480 >> Uh, Gary, can we talk a little bit about the 250 event? Can we talk about the 250 event? >> Oh, sure. >> Yeah. Um, so, so Edna and I have been meeting with the partners that we talked about last meeting. Um, and they gave us a proposal and a few copies just 109 00:30:54.480 --> 00:31:09.279 circulate around. They gave us a proposal for what they would recommend for an event celebrating the Lafape community in Franklin. So, we took their proposal and we kind of talked a little bit amongst the the group that we've um been working with and then we came up 110 00:31:09.279 --> 00:31:26.320 with um like a list of activities that we would you know sort of propose having in an event. Um and then Edna's working uh with uh the township to identify a date that the senior center is available um that we could do probably somewhere 111 00:31:26.320 --> 00:31:41.919 like late October, early November. Um and so right now what we're doing is we have an idea of what we want to do and we have an idea of what the cost would be. So now we need to reach out to whatever sources we have uh for funding 112 00:31:41.919 --> 00:31:58.960 um because we know the you know the HRC doesn't have uh funding so we have to look for outside right >> yes this well this is this is the LAPI heritage event that comes out of uh Bob Leort's presentation to us but it is 113 00:31:58.960 --> 00:32:15.120 separate from because they have their plan for the year already set um >> I have a Oh yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> So, so the the Samina had made a great suggestion that we shoot for the moon 114 00:32:15.120 --> 00:32:34.799 >> meeting tonight. >> Oh, tonight, huh? >> Do you want the meeting? >> Yeah. >> Tonight. >> The 250th is tonight. >> Tonight, John's over here. They're in the council chambers. Yes. So if you 115 00:32:34.799 --> 00:32:49.840 >> They are in the council chambers tonight. >> That's 250 committee. >> Yes. >> So if you recall, >> I think it would be tonight though. >> If you recall, Frank said that if we did something to honor the Lafi 116 00:32:49.840 --> 00:33:07.600 uh traditions and heritage and ties to Franklin that it was something that we would have to undertake because they already had their calendar set for the year and everything. So in the the uh our brothers and sisters that we've been meeting with Samina and I, this proposal 117 00:33:07.600 --> 00:33:25.279 represents, you know, everything from workshops to a dance presentation, but it costs money. So, we have to figure out um and if anyone here at this table knows, it'd be great, but if we don't, we're we're still investigating, you know, what funding 118 00:33:25.279 --> 00:33:42.480 sources would be available to us as a commission and obviously with the browsing of the township um to uh to undertake this this event. So, um I'm waiting to hear about availability of uh the senior center because since 119 00:33:42.480 --> 00:33:57.760 we're going to be doing it in the fall, we would or if the desire is to do it in the fall than to have something indoors, you know, >> we need the for >> I don't think so because it's a separate event. 120 00:33:57.760 --> 00:34:14.480 >> I I think we could um >> we need their endorsement. We need their blessing but we don't you know it's not a >> could be like co-sponsored by >> not yet >> not recently. >> No no cuz we just met with the >> they are they also he came to me before 121 00:34:14.480 --> 00:34:34.399 the meeting they selling coins. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> If any of you are interested. >> So I didn't know that there had been a second run of coins. So, the first run was, you know, and and I told the group 122 00:34:34.399 --> 00:34:49.359 uh this the group that we've been meeting to plan this um Safy told me that the reason why the new coin has an African-American uh a LAPI representative and a and a 123 00:34:49.359 --> 00:35:05.839 woman, I believe, is the newest coin. And correct me if I'm wrong, Councilman, perhaps you know, is because of what we brought to the table, you know. Um uh she said that it was after the meeting that they held where we were able to flush out a little bit more of what this 124 00:35:05.839 --> 00:35:22.720 group wanted to do that they then decided that the second run of the coin would look different than the first run did. So that's something to I'm hu I mean I cried when she told me that. I'm hugely proud of that you know that that happened. >> Okay. Uh they have their whole year 125 00:35:22.720 --> 00:35:39.359 planned already. However, if you talk to Bobble Court get his endorsement. I'm sure you'll be >> and and if any of you want to coin he has them available 10 bucks if you if you're interested. 126 00:35:39.359 --> 00:35:56.320 >> Yeah. So right now I think the main the main goal is to identify funding and then once we know how much funding we have we can you know kind of scope the activities based on based on that funding. Would there be any um foundations that provide grants that 127 00:35:56.320 --> 00:36:12.480 >> So, we asked we asked the the leaders who you've been meeting with and they didn't know of any specifically because the communities they work with get money from the county like the cultural heritage commissions of the county. Um and so the money comes to them that way. 128 00:36:12.480 --> 00:36:27.839 you know, they don't actually do the soliciting for the money, >> but we there uh >> might be >> I'm sure there is money out there. The question is, can we get it by November? That's the issue. Yeah, >> there's an application through the county cultural mention. I have to fill 129 00:36:27.839 --> 00:36:43.440 an application for it uh in regards to it. And there may have been some deadlines. You probably have to um go online to county cultural. They have they have a formal name on it. and could um I'm sure there's funding available 130 00:36:43.440 --> 00:37:00.320 because all towns have do these type of uh uh different workshops and things of this nature. to it. >> I I think this group needs to say yes, we have said it that we're interested in doing something because um it needs to say yes, we are going to do this if it's 131 00:37:00.320 --> 00:37:16.079 possible to do it in November, late October, November, but then we're going to need to put our hands into this, you know, all of us, because it's going to be our event, you know, as Bob had said, you'll have to plan the event if you want to do it. So, um, if if we're all 132 00:37:16.079 --> 00:37:30.480 in agreement, we need to hear that so that we can then go to I can, as a matter of fact, as part of going to Sappy for the Hometown Heroes project, I can then share this this proposal with her. >> Any objection to that? >> Any object? 133 00:37:30.480 --> 00:37:46.640 >> Explain it to me, please. >> Hold on, Gary. >> What's up? >> Explain it to me what you're talking about. We're talking about having a um heritage celebration. >> Explain the coin to me. You said something. 134 00:37:46.640 --> 00:38:02.400 >> Oh, the coin is what the two Franklin 250 committee has done. So they they re they sold for $10. I bought the first one of the the the coins that went out >> fundraiser. >> Mhm. So now they've is reissued not reissued but issued a second coin, 135 00:38:02.400 --> 00:38:18.560 commissioned a second coin. >> What was on the first coin? >> You know what? It's right in front of me at home. Um with >> I thought it was a revolutionary I thought it was a revolutionary war hero that was in the uh >> the logo that we have >> that's not part of our committee John 136 00:38:18.560 --> 00:38:34.560 >> that's just an aside I'm mentioning that that happened >> the committee it's a separate committee not part of our >> they asked us to for all to participate in I want to know what I participate in Gary >> part of that we're not participating with them we're doing it on our own 137 00:38:34.560 --> 00:38:55.359 again listen what she said >> the heritage event That's why I asked for any clarification. Sir, >> you have to listen to what you said, John. >> And we're hoping to have an event in the 138 00:38:55.359 --> 00:39:12.720 fall, late October or early November. Um, there's still a lot that needs to be done. Um, and one of the primary things that needs to be done is we need to find funding. if we have an event that includes workshops and the the largest expense in the presentation that was 139 00:39:12.720 --> 00:39:29.920 shared with Sina and I are the dancers. So we're proposing that if we cannot have dancers this year, we can do that next year, you know, and we would just have the workshops and a panel discussion or a guest speaker or both. I might be able to find somebody 140 00:39:29.920 --> 00:39:46.720 foundation, somebody that might want to put up, you know, like a sponsor that is somehow related to >> when you when you talk >> Safy and then >> Yeah, >> just make sure that you keep Bob court 141 00:39:46.720 --> 00:40:03.200 >> if they're still there. Rico, we'll go say hi. >> Why we have all Bob the court today? Is he running the town? He's in charge of that committee. John, >> did I ain't hear a Republican? >> It's a different committee. >> The mayor appointed him to take up the 142 00:40:03.200 --> 00:40:19.839 >> Hey, that's all right, Gary. I can I hear? >> It's a different committee. You're not listening. >> Yes, I am. >> Oh, I'm listening and I hear good. >> Nothing to do with the Republicans. >> That's right. Only and the court is 143 00:40:19.839 --> 00:40:35.760 nothing to do with the 250, John. They're not listening. >> Yes, I am listening. Well, >> Bob Lord is a chairman of >> Yes. Yes, I know. >> Something to do with the Republicans. >> Yes. I Right. You sure? >> Yes, I'm sure. >> Okay. 144 00:40:35.760 --> 00:40:50.560 >> We want everybody to participate. >> Exactly. >> Doesn't matter. You're political. >> Anything else? >> Right. >> Anything else? >> If not, our next meeting is July 22nd. 145 00:40:50.560 --> 00:41:06.720 Once again, we look to our junior commissioner. keep us posted. What you do in Georgia Tech? >> Oh, good luck. >> Thank you. >> Wish you luck, man. Right on. >> Thank you so much. >> And uh good luck. If not, I'll entertain 146 00:41:06.720 --> 00:41:21.079 the motion to >> do that since we started. >> Do I have a motion? >> Motion to motion to Okay. Thank you all.