Ballot Questions for All: The Climate Hawk’s Companion Podcast

In preparation for the Nov 4 election, this podcast presents the 'climate action' viewpoint on the ballot questions. Always good to hear both sides before making a decision.

massclimateaction posted: "In this episode, we evaluate November's ballot questions from a Climate Hawk's perspective, and draw lessons applicable across the country. We talk with commentator D.R. Tucker and Citizens Climate Lobby's Gary Rucinski about both the Bottle Bill (Questio" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Mass Climate Action Network (MCAN) Ballot Questions for All: The Climate Hawk's Companion Podcast by massclimateaction In this episode, we evaluate November's ballot questions from a Climate Hawk's perspective, and draw lessons applicable across the country. We talk with commentator D.R. Tucker and Citizens Climate Lobby's Gary Rucinski about both the Bottle Bill (Question 2) and the Gas Tax (Question 1.) Then we talk with Chris Manns, who is leading the fight in Metro-West Massachusetts for the "Vote Yes For Democracy" question that reverses the Citizens United decision. Here are some links to: The Yes on 2 website and a list of five reasons we need a bottle bill. The NO on Question 1 site, plus some information on safe roads and bridges . For those interested in more carbon tax information, we suggest citizensclimatelobby.org for the effort to enact a national carbon fee and http://www.climate-xchange.org/ for efforts to to enact a state carbon fee in MA. Also, the DOER commissioned a study into what a state carbon fee would look like and how the money could be returned to households and businesses. You can find a record of their proceedings here. The following links provide information on the move to amend the constitution in response to the Supreme Court's Citizen's United decision: http://www.voteyesfordemocracy.org/infographic/ https://movetoamend.org/ http://corporationsarenotpeople.com/ A top-level discussion of the statewide ballot questions is here. Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon. Thanks for listening. …Ted McIntyre massclimateaction | October 23, 2014 at 12:04 am | Tags: bottle bill, carbon tax, citizen's climate lobby, Citizen's United, global warming | Categories: Climate Action | URL: http://wp.me/p14L3C-11q Comment    See all comments    Like Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/10/23/ballot-questions-for-all-the-climate-hawks-companion-podcast/ Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

Mass Climate Action Network

You can listen to the podcast here, or follow the links above to the podcast.

Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra opens 2014-2015 season

The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra (CHSO) has announced the 2014-2015 season featuring five dynamic concerts with world-renowned soloists, the premier of a new symphony, the annual favorite "Holiday Pops," a program of music that went from opera to Broadway; and concluding with music from cinema musicals in the spring. 

"We are very excited about this new season," said Paul Surapine, Claflin Hill founder, and its artistic director since 1997. "This year we have a great mix of music for all audiences. At our first concert, our "European Dance Rave" we will perform Dances Thraces by Petko Stainov; Dances of Galanta by Zoltan Kodaly; and Bela Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra," said Surapine. "We chose these pieces because they really highlight the virtuosity of the orchestra's musicians." The Claflin Hill Symphony season opens with this concert in the Grand Ballroom of Milford Town Hall on November 8, 2014. 

A regional concert favorite – "Holiday Pops 2014" heralds the holiday season with both the CHSO and the New World Chorale. The concert will feature traditional favorites that define the spirit of the season, as well as new classics. There will be eggnog, hot chocolate, and a visit from a special guest dressed in red. 

"It is such a joy to see the families who come every year to the Pops," said Surapine. "We've seen children grow up in front of us! And Santa always makes a special appearance despite his hectic schedule in December." The Holiday Pops 2014 concert is on December 13, 2014 in the Grand Ballroom of the Milford Town Hall. 

On Saturday, January 31, 2015, CHSO will perform works by the Symphony's frequent guest conductor and composer Thomas Hojnacki, including the world-premiere of his Second Symphony "The Canyon," inspired by his recent eight-day backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon. 

"Tom is not only an outstanding composer, faculty member at Berklee School of Music, performer and friend, but he has served as mentor to many CHSO musicians, and youth orchestra musicians," explained Surapine. "A Composers' Life" is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2015 in the Grand Ballroom of the Milford Town Hall. 

The fourth concert of the CHSO season is "A Chorus Lineup: Opera to Broadway" on Saturday, March 7, 2015. The New World Chorale again joins CHSO for an evening of popular operatic choruses, including compositions by Verdi, Delibes, Wagner, Puccini and others. 

"We will also feature medleys of great choral moments from Broadway's "Les Miserables" and "Phantom of the Opera," said Surapine. 

The Symphony Season concludes with its fifth concert "Cinema Musicale: A Night at the Movies" on Saturday April 25, 2015. 

"What would movies be without the great music that accompanies the on-screen scenes and action?" said Surapine. Music from soundtrack favorites including the score of "Lawrence of Arabia," "Jaws," "Out of Africa," "Star Wars," "Ben Hur," "Bridge Over the River Kwai," and more will be performed. Join the Orchestra to celebrate musical memories from our favorite movies. 

"This region is so fortunate to have access to world-class musicians and composers. Milford has always been a city of music – starting with the immigrant populations who came here to make a better life in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries," said Surapine. "They made music a priority here, building opera houses and performance venues. 

Claflin Hill is proud to continue that tradition. We could not do so without the support of so many regional businesses, partners' individuals and foundations that recognize the value of music in our lives." 

Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra performs five symphony concerts each year, along with children's concerts, regional school outreach, chamber music concerts, summer park concerts, and the MetroWest Youth Symphony Orchestra, now known as The Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies. 

Paul Surapine is a New York-trained clarinetist who saw the opportunity to create performances featuring talented musicians who live in the Boston/MetroWest region, and to generate a way for locally-based companies and corporations to give back to the community through sponsorship and support. 

Individual and season ticket information is available online at www.claflinhill.org, or by calling 508-478-5924. Special family packages and student pricing is also available. 

Clafin Hill Symphony Orchestra

The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, located in Milford, MA, is a powerful regional musical force. Through passionate performances presented by masterful musicians, the CHSO plays a leading role in the cultural enrichment and vitality of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest communities. The CHSO sponsors a remarkable outreach program that helps youth perfect their musical talents and build long-lasting appreciation for music.

Reminder: Franklin MOMS Club Preschool Fair

The MOMS Club of Franklin, in cooperation with the Franklin Public Library, invites the public to attend a Preschool Fair. 

This fair, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Franklin Library on Thursday, November 6th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. 

Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St, Franklin, MA

Representatives from local preschools in Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Norfolk and Wrentham will be on hand to answer any questions and provide information to parents seeking preschools for the 2015-2016 school year. 

If you have any questions please email: franklinnorthmoms@gmail.com

Milford's Pumpkin Stroll is This Weekend!

WMRC Daybreak News - Mike and Donnalee Shain Talk About Family Fun Walk, Thanks to Yanks and Pumpkin Walk Mmmm... meat!  And MORE! Ticket price: $25 You pay: $12.50 Click here! Halloween is coming!  Get your candy at Hebert's Candy this year! Ticket price: $25 You pay: $12.50 Click here! Check Out The All New WMRC Daily News.com News, sports, entertainment, events, photos, and more! Forward this email

Forward this email WMRC Daily News | 258 Main Street | Milford | MA | 01757

Yes, exercise is good for learning

The exercise initiatives at Davis Thayer were featured at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday. There is a growing body of evidence supporting exercise as good for the overall health of individuals, especially in a learning environment.

The results of the 'school climate' survey conducted with the parents and staff during the Apr-May 2014 period were shared and discussed last night. The one thread that ran through all the results was a good opportunity for improved communication. From getting an increased participation in the survey to a better understanding of the effectiveness of Advanced Placement (AP) classes, you can tie to communications.

community entrance at FHS

The School district used to be at the forefront of using social media tools to communicate but it has dropped off recently. The School Committee blog was last updated when? Yes, the Twitter account usage at the high school is good. Finding appropriate methods of communicating with all segments of the school district remains the key challenge. If they solve that, the survey results will themselves be more accurate as the information captured will better reflect reality.

I included the two policy revision documents here. The one on 'gifts to staff' should be required reading for all parents to ensure their year end and special occasion gifts to teachers are compliant with the State ethics policy. Yes, the State ethics policy drives this and is applicable to all Franklin school and town employees.


My notes recorded live during the School Committee meeting on Tuesday:

• Live reporting: Closing
• Live reporting: policy revisions and action items
• Live reporting: School Climate Survey Results
• Live reporting: Fitness initiatives
• Live reporting: School Committee - Oct 21, 2014
• 
  

The proposed policy update on "gifts to staff"



The proposed policy update on "political activities of staff:

FHS girls and boys soccer teams win

Hockomock Sports writes about the Franklin vs. Taunton boys soccer game.

The Taunton Tigers and Franklin Panthers did battle Tuesday afternoon at Aleixo Stadium in Taunton's final home game of year. The Panthers spoiled the swansong of Class of 2015 winning 3-0 over the same Tigers that they eliminated from last year’s state tournament.

The Tigers were the better team for most of the first half and Marc Desousa did not have to make many saves early. However, one of the ones he did was on a wide open Scotty Donaldson in the fourth minute.

FHS Panthers

In the 12th minute, Franklin's Ben LaBelle took down Taunton's Austin Botelho in the box, earning himself a yellow card and giving the Tigers a penalty. Yuri Valente took it for Taunton but his shot missed wide to the left.

"When you get chances like that and you don't take advantage if just kills you," said Taunton coach David Purpura.

Continue reading the article here:
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/panthers-overcome-slow-start-to-win-at-taunton


The FHS girls soccer team played their last home game. It was "senior night" to recognize the seniors playing their last regular season home game. Hocokmock Sports reports on the final score:

Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 2 - Final - Meg Adams and Alexis Stowell scored in the final 15 minutes to give the Panthers the win. Taunton goalie Kayla Wentworth made 18 saves in net.

You can find all the results from Tuesday's action in the Hockomock League here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-102114

Have your holiday party at 3!

3 461 W Central Street (Rt.140), Franklin, MA 02038 • 508.528.6333 • www.3-restaurant.com Please visit our other Let's Eat, Inc. restaurant in Norwood: SKY

Forward email Let's Eat, Inc. | 461 Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Girl Scout Troop hosting holiday party - Oct 25th

"HOSTED BY FRANKLIN GIRL SCOUT TROOP 80637 Wear your costume! When: Saturday, October 25th 2pm-4pm Where: St. John's Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin Cost: $5 per child, families welcome! What to expect: Games, crafts, face paint, food and lots of fun!! WhO: All elementary age students, Girl Scout membership is not required, but parental supervision is required." - Reply to this email to comment on this post.         Facebook         Elaine Mandell posted on Franklin Matters's timeline     Elaine Mandell October 20 at 9:08am HOSTED BY FRANKLIN GIRL SCOUT TROOP 80637 Wear your costume! When: Saturday, October 25th 2pm-4pm Where: St. John's Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin Cost: $5 per child, families welcome! What to expect: Games, crafts, face paint, food and lots of fun!! WhO: All elementary age students, Girl Scout membership is not required, but parental supervision is required.     Like     Comment         View Post                 Facebook, Inc., Attention: Department 415, PO Box 10005, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Fred Astaire Dance Studio: Halloween party - Oct 31

Fred Astaire Franklin MA invited you to his event   FADS Franklin Halloween party Friday, October 31 at 7:30pm Fred Astaire Franklin MA in Franklin, Massachusetts   Join     Maybe     Decline   Hey you lovely people :) Fred Astaire Franklin will be hosting a special Halloween themed practice party on 10/31/2014 for all who wish to dress up, dance, play games and have fun :) (costumes are o... Franklin Art-Center and Kaitlyn-Amanda Berry Ins are also in the guest list.         Pending Invites (5) Block invites from Fred Astaire?             Fred Astaire Franklin MA invited you to his event FADS Franklin Halloween party Friday, October 31 at 7:30pm Fred Astaire Franklin MA in Franklin, Massachusetts Join     Maybe     Decline Hey you lovely people :) Fred Astaire Franklin will be hosting a special Halloween themed practice party on 10/31/2014 for all who wish to dress up, dance, play games and have fun :) (costumes are o... Franklin Art-Center and Kaitlyn-Amanda Berry Ins are also in the guest list.     Pending Invites (5) Block invites from Fred Astaire?         Facebook, Inc., Attention: Department 415, PO Box 10005, Palo Alto, CA 94303     Fred Astaire Dance Studio - Halloween Party Find out more about the Fred Astaire Dance Studio at their webpage http://www.franklinfredastaire.com/ or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fredastaire.franklinma

Live reporting: Closing

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
13 students recognized for scholarship

attended the NEASC model school conference, heading into accreditation next year; Maureen heading out next week on a visit, will be back in December to talk about the timeline for what needs to be done

Horace Mann Middle School Community Read - Monday, Nov 10th
"Unbroken"

Channel 5 - wake up call
Oct 30th - Remington

Ladybug 5K was a fun event

next meeting will be in the training room

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
policy subcommittee continues to work its way through the manual

School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business

To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
FEF Fund raiser at the elks 

7. Executive Session

Personnel Update

motion to go to executive session to not return to public meeting
seconded, passed 5-0 via roll call

Live reporting: policy revisions and action items

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Readings:

1. GBEBC – Gifts to Staff

policy terminology brought into alignment with the State ethics law on gifts
it is for everybody, not just in schools, this applies to all public employees 

2. GBI – Political Activities of Staff

adjusted wording after consulting with attorney

4. Action Items

a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

b. I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading:

1. GBEBC – Gifts to Staff
2. GBI – Political Activities of Staff

motion to send to second reading, seconded, passed 5-0

c. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip for FHS students to New Hampshire on November 2, 2014 for US Senate Campaign events as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

d. I recommend approval of the field trip for Parmenter students to travel to Providence, RI on April 16, 2015 as detailed.motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

e. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip to NY City for the 8th grade chorus students on May 9, 2015 as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

Live reporting: School Climate Survey Results

2. Guests/Presentations

b. School Climate Survey – Summary – Maureen Sabolinski

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/school-committee-davis-thayer-update.html


Issued last year from Apr 4 to May 5, may have been part of the low response rate from parents

64% response from staff, 29% response from parents; good for an initial survey

will target Jan 2015 to release this year (stay tuned here for info when it is released)

each school received a set of data based on the specific school, this will be posted to the school webpages and used in planning processes

Aspen parent portal available for middle and high school parents

92% says they feel their child is safe on the bus

high levels of collaboration within the schools, somewhat a reflection of mandates and a lack of professional development time

a gap in perception between parents and staff particularly in the advanced placement courses, will be looking to tease out why this is so and what can be done with it.

incorporated into the instructional goal setting process
principals are doing site level analysis
exploring ways to improve communications is one key effort

looking to get an increased participation rate with next roll-out in Jan 2015

O'Malley it is a commendable report, although I am struck by the fact that it is an opinion report and hard to get actionable responses for this data; need to get to a point where opinions are backed by signatures

Raw data is kept by K-12 Insight
I can send the individual results for each school
the comment sections were not available to us

you could only do the survey once, even if you have multiple students

may have been a vocabulary issues (i.e. parent portal = Aspen)

how do you get parents involved in decision making?
You get parents in to understand the math program and get feedback, we don't do enough of that. At the high school, we did curriculum night, probably the first time in 15 years we did that. Need to have the conversations between parents and teachers on what is expected of their child

Live reporting: Fitness initiatives

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Davis Thayer Update – Evemarie McNeil

Stefani Wasik
Mrs. Christopolous


You can find the copy of the presentation here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/school-committee-davis-thayer-update.html


BOKS = Build Our Kids Success
received a grant for this before school initiative

involves the whole school community

slotted for 40 and have 60 looking to get to it
can use more volunteers to help expand the program
Reebok also offers formal training on the program

Bobcat fitness club
teaching classroom movement breaks
once month each class comes down to the gym
to learn exercises that can be done in class at the desk

Energizing brain breaks in the classroom
http://www.energizingbrainbreaks.com/

The Brain Breaks blog http://brainbreaks.blogspot.com/