Toward a More Perfect Union with Franklin Matters (audio)

FM #1582 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1582 in the series. 

The Towards a More Perfect Union radio show wants to continue to explore national issues but also bring them into a state level and local level point of discussion. Michael Walker-Jones and I got to sit recently to explore out loud some of the ways that could work. 

It seems like a natural fit. I generally focus on what matters here in Franklin and given the political climate and trends, some of those national issues will have an impact here. Maybe not the same as elsewhere but if there will be an impact, Franklin needs to be aware.

While our conversation covers a broad range of topics, we start by introducing Michael to my Franklin listeners, in case you are not aware of his background.

We are also looking for your input on what we might call this series of conversations. Something simpler than “Towards a More Perfect Union meets Franklin Matters” (or vice versa).

The recording runs about 51 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1582-franklin-matters-meets-toward-a-more-perfect-union-11-03-25/

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Toward a More Perfect Union with Franklin Matters (audio)

Toward a More Perfect Union audio episodes can be found ->  https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm 

As they move to do more video episodes, they also can be found on Franklin TV’s All Access YouTube page -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbAODFjFPJ0wfMIr07hSTgQeTpTCghG0I 

Michael Walker-Jones’ LinkedIn profile -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-walker-jones-ed-d-136a74112/ 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

State Rep Jeff Roy Honors Richard "Dick" Hynes at Inaugural Statewide Military Appreciation Day

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) proudly honored Richard "Dick" Hynes of Franklin today at the first-ever Military Appreciation Day ceremony held in the Massachusetts State House's historic House Chamber.

Military Appreciation Day was created by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to establish a lasting annual tradition that brings together local, state, and community leaders to honor those whose service might otherwise go unrecognized. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community-whether a veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard, Reservist, or military spouse-to be honored during the ceremony. More than 125 individuals who exemplify commitment to service and community were recognized from districts across Massachusetts.

"I'm proud to recognize Richard "Dick" Hynes for his military service and community leadership," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). "His contributions reflect the strength, resilience, and dedication of our local military community, and I'm honored to celebrate him at this statewide event. We appreciate his service and efforts to keep the memories of our 45 fallen soldiers alive with moving ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial on the Franklin Town Common."

(L-R) Dick Hynes, St Rep Jeff Roy

Hynes served in the Navy as a Medic during the Vietnam War from August 1962 to April 1967. Dick attained the rank of HM2 which is the Hospital Corpsman Second Class and is the largest occupational rating in the Navy. Dick proudly received the National Defense Medal along with the Good Conduct Medal. While serving, he met Judy, his Navy nurse wife of 43 years.

For the past several years, Hynes has led efforts to honor the 45 Franklin veterans who lost their lives in service to our country. The Town of Franklin has one of the most beautiful Veteran's Memorial areas in the state, including 45 granite posts which line the Veterans' Walkway. Each one of these posts is dedicated to a Franklin veteran who gave his life, defending our freedom.

Under Dick's leadership, along with Franklin's Veterans' organizations, the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3402, a program has been developed honor and remember those who died for our nation. This program includes the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history we may have on that veteran.

The State House ceremony featured remarks from Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, Senate President Karen Spilka, and a keynote address by General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

"This event is about gratitude," said Governor Maura Healey. "We're here to honor the everyday heroes-veterans, active-duty service members, and military families-whose courage, strength, and commitment continue to shape our state for the better. Military Appreciation Day is now a Massachusetts tradition and one we'll proudly carry forward each year."

"Massachusetts is home to one of the most vibrant, committed military communities in the country," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "This day is about uplifting the stories and contributions of those who have sacrificed so much and showing that their service will never go unrecognized."

"Every day, I meet veterans and military families who continue to lead, serve, and inspire," said Secretary Jon Santiago. "As we approach Memorial Day, and during a month dedicated to honoring our military, this event reflects what makes Massachusetts special: a deep respect for service, and a commitment to those who wear the uniform-and those who stand beside them."

"My father's service in the United States Army defined his life and deeply shaped my own - and I know the same holds true for thousands of service members and their families across Massachusetts," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "It is a privilege to honor those residents who have dedicated themselves to serving our country, and I am profoundly grateful for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice."

"It is an honor to host the inaugural Military Appreciation Day in the historic House Chamber," said Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano. "This new tradition reflects our deep appreciation for the veterans, service members, and military families who strengthen every corner of our Commonwealth."

The keynote address was delivered by General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. A Boston native and one of the most distinguished military leaders in recent history, General Dunford spoke about the legacy of service, leadership, and community and the importance of honoring those who serve across generations.

"It's an honor to return home to Massachusetts and stand alongside a community so deeply committed to those who serve. Military Appreciation Day reflects something I've long believed: that service is not just what we do in uniform-it's a lifetime of leadership, character, and sacrifice," said General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I'm proud to join the Commonwealth in recognizing these remarkable individuals and the values they represent."

The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by Springfield native and NBC's The Voice finalist Michelle Brooks-Thompson. Following the ceremony, honorees and guests were invited to a lunch reception generously donated by the Military Friends Foundation, a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to providing support and emergency assistance to military families and families of the fallen.

To view the full list of 2025 Military Appreciation Day honorees ->

https://www.mass.gov/doc/military-appreciation-day-2025-honoree-list/download

Additional photos of Rep Roy and Dick Hynes can be found (courtesy of Rep Roy's Office)  https://photos.app.goo.gl/16US8SnCCdBN3GBe7

Submit Your Ideas for New State Emblems

Massachusetts State House, photo by
Elizabeth Thomsen, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

@massgov is actively seeking public submissions to reimagine our state’s official symbols.

The Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission - of which Mass Cultural Council is a named member - is dedicated to developing new emblems that truly reflect the shared values, dynamic history, and vibrant diversity of our state.

The Commission is inviting all residents, artists, historians, educators, students, and community members of all ages, to participate in this important process.

Submit your design sketches or ideas for a new state seal or flag and/or motto proposals that capture the spirit of Massachusetts by June 18, 2025.

Submit your written ideas, visual sketches, or full design concepts through this form: Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission Submission Form.

Shared from -> https://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/submit-your-ideas-for-new-state-emblems/

Senator Rausch Tapped as Senate Chair of Environment and Local Gov. Committees

State Senator Becca Rausch has been tapped by Senate President Karen Spilka to lead not one but two policy committees that likely will see significant legislation move through their subject areas this term, including proposals directly from Governor Healey. 

Senator Rausch Tapped as Senate Chair
of Environment and Local Gov. Committees

Senator Rausch was reappointed as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, her third consecutive term at the helm, which should receive an anticipated environmental bond bill from the Governor once filed. Senator Rausch also returns as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, which she led during her first term and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, thrusting the committee's work into the spotlight in order to ensure local governments could continue to function. Governor Healey has already refiled her Municipal Empowerment Act, proposing changes to local procurement rules, local taxation options, hybrid access to public meetings, and more. 

"I am deeply honored and proud to chair not one but two legislative committees for the Massachusetts Senate this term, and truly grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka for her confidence in my leadership and policy-shaping skills and experience," said Senator Becca Rausch. "The Environmental Committee's work on plastic reduction, water, wetlands, air, trees, pesticides, environmental justice, and more is critical to achieving our climate action goals, and increasingly important as the federal administration slashes the EPA's budget and turns its back on environmental protection. Likewise, the work of the Municipalities Committee impacts every town and city in the entire Commonwealth and provides a significant opportunity to empower our local government partners, improve efficiency, and enhance access to public bodies and resources. These positions carry responsibility to help mold legislation and policy that directly impact our families, businesses, and communities, and I look forward to the important work ahead." 

Rausch is one of only four Senators to chair two joint committees this session. She will also serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on the Census, her second consecutive term in that position, and as a member of five additional Joint Committees: Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities; Election Laws; Revenue; State Administration and Regulatory Oversight; and Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. 

Tri-County RVTHS celebrated at State House for Small Voc School Football Championship (Part 2)

Tri-County Athletics shared 

"Thank you to our MA Representatives Roy, Scanlon, Philips, Arena-DeRosa, and Soter, along with Senators Feeney and Rausch who all visited with us.  

Your commitment to vocational education and athletics is helping us prepare the Commonwealth’s workforce of tomorrow! #savethetrades"

 

"Thank you to our MA Representatives Roy, Scanlon, Philips, Arena-DeRosa, and Soter, along with Senators Feeney and Rausch who all visited with us"

Shared from -> https://x.com/TriRvths/status/1885338128572915910

Part 1 was shared -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/01/tri-county-rvths-celebrated-at-state.html

Ladybugs return to State House

via State Rep Jeff Roy's newsletter:

In 1974, something was bugging the second graders at Kennedy Elementary School in Franklin. They were puzzled that among all the symbols in the Commonwealth, there was no state insect. Since ladybugs are considered good luck and protect plants from pests without being harmful to gardens, the children and their teacher considered the insect worthy of becoming the Bay State’s official state bug.

These second graders swarmed the State House while wearing homemade ladybug costumes and visited lawmakers to make their case. After some heroic efforts by these pioneering students and their teacher, involving a petition, testimony before a legislative committee, and letters to legislators, the ladybug became the official state insect in 1974.

On Friday, October 4, 2024, the same ladybugs, returned to the State House for a 50th Anniversary celebration and tour. They took a tour of the building with Rep. Roy and then were greeted by Governor Maura Healey.  For more photos from the visit-> 

https://www.facebook.com/jeffreyroy/posts/pfbid0TPNWPecrXkhuQGmdzYnWKqsYq5q3UouWdjgZYZ8vM9bZSYQ4gcVcVfhZcaNDx9okl

You can view the WHDH Channel 7 report -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDXhbkeQ5T8

Ladybugs return to State House

Ladybugs to be honored at State House on 50th anniversary of bill signing

In 1974, something was bugging the second graders at Kennedy Elementary School in Franklin. They were puzzled that among all the symbols in the Commonwealth, there was no state insect. Since ladybugs are considered good luck and protect plants from pests without being harmful to gardens, the children and their teacher considered the insect worthy of becoming the Bay

State’s official state bug.

50th anniversary of bill signing

These second graders swarmed the State House while wearing homemade ladybug costumes and visited lawmakers to make their case. After some heroic efforts by these pioneering students and their teacher, involving a petition, testimony before a legislative committee, and letters to legislators, the ladybug became the official state insect in 1974.

On Friday, October 4, 2024, the same ladybugs, along with family and friends, will return to the State House for a 50th Anniversary celebration and tour. Organized by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), the Ladybugs will also meet and have their picture taken with Governor Maura Healey. They will be also joined by the family of their teacher, the late Palma Johnson during the State House visit.

 

homemade ladybug costumes

“Although five decades have passed since H.5155, An Act designating the Ladybug as the official bug of the Commonwealth, was signed into law, the passage of time has not diminished the importance of their achievement and timeless inspirational story,” said Representative Roy, “Their efforts and dedication in 1974 showed how anyone with a good idea can affect change. It was the ultimate civics lesson for these students and we will celebrate their accomplishment on Friday.”

One of the students in the class took that civics lesson to heart. Twenty years after the bill signing, Jim Vallee was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives where he served Franklin for 19 years. He is expected to attend the anniversary event on Friday.

ladybug became the official state insect in 1974

Their historic accomplishment by the Franklin students is now part of the State House lore and is featured on its website (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/cis/ciskid/kidlbs/lbsidx.htm) and celebrated in a booklet distributed in the building. 

The accomplishment was also featured several years ago on an episode of WCVB’s Chronicle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weoanYKnVKM).

Consider taking part in the next Citizen Legislative Seminar on Oct 29-30, 2024

"Have you ever wanted to be a State Senator – even for a day? 

You’re in luck! The Citizens’ Legislative Seminar is a chance to learn from Senators and participate in a simulated hearing and Senate session. 

Interested and able to attend on Oct. 29 & 30? 

Contact me! becca.rausch[at]masenate.gov"
#mapoli

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C_sw48YuouE/

I was fortunate to participate in the April sessions. While I had developed a good understanding of the legislative process during my many years reporting and talking with our State Senators and Representatives, the 2-day experience in the State House is well worth it. 

As I write this, I realize that I did not formally do a recap of the two days to share here. I think the budget discussion took priority for my time. I'll add it to my "To Do" list and get something published before this new session starts in October. 

If you are interested in finding out more about what the sessions cover, let me know and I can arrange to answer your questions.

Consider taking part in the next Citizen Legislative Seminar on Oct 29-30, 2024

Washington Post has a "Deep Read" on Norfolk and the State prison shelter situation

"Here was the town where Kevin Roche grew up: empty sidewalks, a coffee shop, a pharmacy, two pizza parlors, two ambulances, two roundabouts and no grocery store. A small, quiet town, people in Norfolk said. Pleasant. Safe. Nothing much to do, and that meant nothing much changed from one morning to the next or the next, until this morning, when Kevin woke up and knew that the town would be different by the time the day was over.

He got in his car and drove toward Main Street just before 7 a.m. Main Street ran from one end of Norfolk to the other, four miles in all, and it led to the auto repair shop where Kevin, 60, had worked since he was 12 years old, first for his father, and now alongside his own son. He passed the line of houses he saw every morning, which were the same, except for the ones that had new signs in the yard. “NORFOLK PRISON-SHELTER,” they read. “NOT SAFE FOR ANYONE.”

At the east end of Main Street, razor wire was being removed from a chain-link fence around Bay State Correctional Center, an unused low-security state prison half a mile from Kevin’s shop. At the foot of the fence, rows of thick coil lay in the grass. Security guards stood at the front gates. Cribs and diaper kits sat on the floor of the prison gym. Clean, white sheets lay on the beds."

Continue reading via a gift subscription to this article -> https://wapo.st/3B5zO23

Washington Post has a "Deep Read" on Norfolk and the State prison shelter situation

Episode 42 starts with eclipse highlights and legislative seminar before discussing headlines (audio)

FM #1176 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1176 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We met to record in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.  

We continued making sense of climate on an almost extemporaneous discussion similar to what we recently had. Starting with highlights from Ted’s experience of the eclipse, and with my highlights from the Citizen Legislative Seminar where I spent 2 days in State House.

• NY Attorney General sues meat producer https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/29/new-york-jbs-climate-lawsuit

• Meat a contributor https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/04/us-banks-sabotaging-own-net-zero-plans-by-livestock-financing-report-claims 

• 80/20 rule strikes again https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/04/just-57-companies-linked-to-80-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-since-2016 

• How to spot five of the fossil fuel industry’s biggest disinformation tactics https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/14/climate-disinformation-explainer?CMP=share_btn_url 

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 43 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted.

Audio link ->   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1176-making-sense-of-climate-42-04-16-24

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** See the page that collects all the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Episode 42 starts with eclipse highlights and legislative seminar before discussing headlines (audio)

Boston Globe: "state to partner with feds to help migrants obtain work permits"

"The state is partnering with the federal government to help migrants apply for work authorization documents, directing resources toward an avenue state officials consider key to alleviating the strain on the state’s overwhelmed emergency shelter system.

State and federal Homeland Security will co-host a clinic the week of Nov. 13 in Middlesex County, north of Boston. The state will organize appointments and provide transportation for migrants from shelter sites across the state to the clinic site.

The announcement comes as the clock ticks down to Wednesday, Nov. 1, when Governor Maura Healey said she will begin limiting how many families it will place in its emergency shelter system.

“We are glad that the Biden-Harris Administration is hosting this clinic with us, which will help process work authorizations as efficiently as possible,” Healey said in a statement. “This clinic will be critical for building on the work that our administration has already been leading to connect more migrants with work opportunities.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/10/30/metro/mass-migrants-work-permits-clinic/

Boston Globe: "state to partner with feds to help migrants obtain work permits"

"The site operates as 'a nonpartisan, open source, and nonprofit project;”

"ONE OF THE most well-worn complaints among political watchers in Massachusetts is that the government can be, well, hard to watch. The state Legislature is one of the least transparent lawmaking bodies in the country – exempt from public records laws, with decisions often made in closed committee sessions with little revelation about who voted for or against a given piece of legislation.

Being generally outraged about local government on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites may be cathartic, but is perhaps not the most efficient way to push for change. Now a team of volunteers is taking a swing at making online engagement with the Legislature feel a bit more civil, structured, and achievable for individuals and organizations.

The website MAPLE (the Massachusetts Platform for Legislative Engagement) launched this month, focused on encouraging and facilitating public testimony on legislation. The Legislature does collect and post some public testimony already, but the MAPLE group is trying to improve what they see as an imperfect system. A motivating question for the co-creators was whether the online spaces where the public gathers to express views online could “be designed better to allow us to channel our energy for productive improvements for the communities that we touch?”

Continue reading the article online at Commonwealth Magazine ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/a-digital-push-for-more-legislative-participation-2/

Check out the MAPLE site yourself here ->  https://www.mapletestimony.org/

 

"The site operates as 'a nonpartisan, open source, and nonprofit project;”