Introducing The Sugar Shoppe - a non-profit candy store!

A non-profit candy shop has arrived!

Welcome to the Sugar Shoppe (www.sugarshoppe.org) Your neighborhood Non-Profit Candy Shop...  Life is Short, Make it Sweet!  WE ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN! Tues/Wed/Thurs 10-5pm, Fri 10-4pm, Sat 12-4pm *We will add additional hours once the volunteers are in place and trained.   First off, thank you to everyone who came out for our "soft" opening this past Saturday! It was a huge success! If you couldn't make it out, please come by anytime... WE ARE OPEN! (see above hours) Second, we hope you enjoyed your goodies! Whether it was gummies, sours, old school candy, jelly bellies, delicious chocolate TRUFFLES or samples of the FUDGE (coming this week!!) we hope you were happy!! Last, we would like to answer a common question that we hear people ask..."Why are you a non-profit? how does that work?"  Well here is the WHY...Once upon a time lived over 500,000 people in MA who are homeless on a given night.  Most (70%) were staying in residential programs but the rest (30%) were found in unsheltered locations. Nearly 25% of all homeless people were children under the age of 18, 10% were between the ages of 18 and 24, and 65% were 25 years or older. *Stats from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 2014.  We chose the non-profit route as a mission to help cure homelessness in MA. The Sugar Shoppe is the HOPE portion of helping (gift baskets for moms and kids) and the long term mission is the HOUSING (www.makechangeforchange.org).  YES! all net proceeds go towards this fund. Our mission is to help and have fun while doing so, meeting a lot of new people along the way and bringing the community together for a great cause.  PLEASE SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Forward this email Make Change for Change | 334 Union Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Please don't flush swiffers

The Franklin Sewer Department spends countless hours and thousands of dollars every month repairing equipment damaged by household wipes... These extra costs end up driving up sewer bills, so please don't flush wipes and other non-toilet paper products!

swifters that have clogged up sewer pumping stations

Download and print this flyer to save as a reminder what NOT to flush



For additional info visit the DPW page
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Publicworks/General_Pages/What_Not_To_Flush

Related post from earlier this year
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/dont-flush-swiffers.html

"It’s going to be a long time before that point of view becomes relevant”

It is all in your point of view. This is an interesting find especially for those interested in opposing the Spectra Energy Pipeline expansion. Or maybe you already know this:

“We have a view, which happens to coincide with Gov. Baker’s view, on how we’re going to make up for the fact that Massachusetts is at the end of the pipeline,” says Weld. “The current battleground is gas. Five years ago, gas was the favorite child of the environmental movement because it wasn’t coal and it wasn’t oil. Those days are over. Now it’s a member of the hated fossil fuel community. Some in the environmental movement think everything is going to be wind and solar before long. It reminds me of the 1960s and all my fellow hippies in Cambridge saying, if only we could all love each other. I do think hydro is going to play a major role and soon.” 

Weld also notes that ML Strategies represents Spectra Energy, which wants to expand its Algonquin pipeline. “That’s a pretty easy sell,” he says. “There are issues with it, but conceptually it’s a fairly easy sell except for the people who now suddenly don’t like natural gas because it’s a member of the fossil club, which I think is not a well-taken position. It’s going to be a long time before that point of view becomes relevant.”

Read the full article in the Commonwealth Magazine online
http://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/all-bases-covered-at-ml-strategies/

Wellness Coordinator of the Year Award - Kristin Cerce

From the Twitterverse:

Kristin Letendre Cerce, Franklin High School teacher and former Wellness Coordinator, received the 2015 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Wellness Coordinator of the Year Award on Friday, October 23rd at the Doubletree Hotel in Westborough, MA. 

Her award was presented by Carolyn Bohmiller of the MIAA and State Representative Jeffrey Roy of Franklin. 

Dozens of FHS students as well as many Franklin school administrators, including Maureen Sabolinski and Peter Light, were in attendance.

Congratulations to Franklin High's Kristin Cerce on being named the MIAA Wellness Coordinator of the year. pic.twitter.com/t5Uz3KAyZ3

— Jeffrey N. Roy (@jeffroy) October 23, 2015

Franklin Candidate for Town Clerk - Paul Cheli

Paul Cheli and I met to talk about his campaign for Town Clerk. This is the summary of our discussion.

FM - What is your Franklin story?

Cheli – As a third generation Franklin resident I have seen many changes to the Town of Franklin. I am a graduate of Franklin High School as well as my wife and children. I am a graduate of Dean College, and Lesley University. 

My passion for the community has been exemplified by volunteering for many boards and committees. For the last 20-25 years I have been elected to the Town Council for three terms and the Board of Health. I was appointed to the Library Board of Directors, Franklin Housing Authority as well as the Charter Review Committee. The Charter Review committee recommended moving the Treasurer-Collector and the Clerk’s position to appointed positions. The voters decided to have the Clerk’s position remain elected and the Treasurer-Collector position be appointed. 

I was also appointed to the Water and Sewer Task Force, Land Use Committee, and currently serve on the Franklin Advisory Committee, which consists of residents and sitting Councilor’s as well as the Town Clerk. This committee’s role is to solicit recommendations and concerns from the community and explore and expedite courses of action, concerns and recommendations to the Town Council. 

I have worked in town for many years as a bio-tech executive and a business manager for a law firm. I relocated a manufacturing company to the Franklin Industrial Park and that experience, along with the legal business, allowed me to understand the role of business in our community and led to my involvement and work with the local Chamber of Commerce. My membership in the Franklin Rotary Club allowed me to work within the community for charitable events, scholarship fund raisers and support for our senior citizens.

FM - What do you see as a challenge for the position of Town Clerk?

Cheli – The Town Clerk’s position is a gateway to the community and as such should provide direction and answers to all that seek the town’s services. It is imperative that the clerk have a good understanding of resources and public officials and be able to direct new and existing residents and new and existing businesses to appropriate personnel for disposition and resolve of their interests. 

We can look at customer service. There can be an emphasis on the hours of operation that are more conducive to the working folks by having more evening hours and or by appointment evening hours. Current technology should be reviewed. The clerk’s position is heavily mandated by the state and should allow opportunities to increase the use of technology to make best practices more streamlined and more accessible to the general population. 

Records retention and storage is a large element of the Clerk’s position. There may be opportunities for adding a more private sector approach as with the legal field for records retention and storage. The Clerk’s office may not be able to go paperless because of legal requirements but much of it should get streamlined. 

It is important the general population take an interest in the voting process. I would like to see the Clerk’s office engaged in voter involvement and more convenience for voter participation. Current voting practices need to be reviewed and updated.

FM - What do you bring to the position that would set you apart from the other candidates?

Cheli – The clerk’s position offers a unique opportunity to bring my knowledge of the community, local government and officials, and of the history of Franklin. I am a performance driven Operations Executive with a history of success leading high growth, transitional, and startup operations. I have been diligent and resourceful in uncovering opportunities to improve operations, motivate teams and to create collaborative environments that yield high productivity. 

The Town Clerk’s position would embody my passion for the community as well as utilizing my experience in municipal government and the private sector. I look forward to continuing my efforts to listen and learn from the Town’s residents, businesses and administrators and to maintain and promote Franklin as a local community that remains a great place to live.

If you have any follow up questions for Paul, you can contact him via email at clerkcheli@gmail.com

You can also visit his webpage http://paulcheli.com/


Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 3rd. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion.

What will the DESE do with MCAS, PARCC or the new option 'Door #3'?

At the Tuesday meeting (Oct 20, 2015) of the state Board of Elementary and Higher Education where the latest standardized test scores were released, those scores weren’t the main topic of the day. Instead, talk focused on a new twist in the ongoing discussion of whether to keep using the MCAS test or switch to PARCC: How about neither one? 

Mitchell Chester, commissioner of elementary and secondary education, is due to make his recommendation on the tests to the board before its Nov. 17 vote. In a special meeting Monday, he told the board that he was now weighing a third possibility, or “Door No. 3,” as he put it: a so-called “MCAS 2.0,” which could use elements of the new PARCC tests to build a state-specific assessment.

You can continue to read the article online here:
http://learninglab.wbur.org/2015/10/20/mcas-vs-parcc-now-education-board-might-face-a-third-option/

State Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester, left, and Education Secretary Jim Peyser speak with reporters following the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meeting on Tuesday. (image from CommonWealth Magazine)

“None of the above” now looks like the correct answer to that test question. 

What looked like an either-or choice between retaining the state’s MCAS exam or scrapping it in favor of the new Common Core-aligned PARCC test has taken an unexpected turn and landed on a compromise plan to develop a revamped state test being billed “MCAS 2.0,” which would include a lot of content from the PARCC test. 

State Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester made it clear on Tuesday that he won’t recommend formal adoption of the PARCC test, developed by a multistate consortium of education leaders, but will instead seek to have the state retain control of the standardized test it administers to public school students while at the same time drawing from the new PARCC test to upgrade MCAS.

You can continue to read the article online here:
http://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/chester-abandons-parcc/

FHS girls soccer tops Cardinal Spellman 1-0

A very light schedule on Sunday with only the FHS girls soccer team playing against Cardinal Spellman. The FHS girls continued their winning streak by blanking them 1-0 according to Hockomock Sports.

FHS Panthers

Girls Soccer

Franklin, 1 vs. Cardinal Spellman, 0 – Final

The results were shared from the Hockomock Sports link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-102515/

Cross Country

On Saturday, the cross country teams ran in the McIntyre Invitational and the results are found here:
http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockomock-results-from-bob-mcintyre-twilight-invitational/

Franklin TV: Meet the Candidates '15 - repeats daily at 1:00 PM

Franklin TV has compiled a video of the 2015 Franklin candidates. The video is scheduled for broadcast daily at 1:00 PM beginning Monday, Oct 26.

You can find the full current broadcast schedule here:






Noteworthy: the Franklin Food Pantry had put out a call for help with temporary storage for the anticipated food donations that roll in over the next several weeks. The new Franklin TV studio on 23 Hutchinson St has stepped up to offer its extra space. The space is extra as the new studio was built out last year and is still being set up. So while it is not is use it can be used for the safe storage of the food donations.

Franklin TV studio at 23 Hutchinson St

S.A.F.E. Community Coalition - October 2015 Update

This newsletter from S.A.F.E. is to provide you with some updates and information to keep the conversation on opioid addiction going. View this email in your browser Coalition planning next steps The S.A.F.E. (Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment) Board has  been actively meeting since August to formulate a structure, establish committees, and develop programming to aid in our efforts to find a cure for substance abuse disorder. I am happy to report that Jim Derick of Franklin was unanimously elected to lead the organization as the new President of the Board of Directors. Please read Jim's introduction below. Jordan Warnick of Medway was unanimously elected to serve as Secretary for the Board. Our Board of Incorporators will now be known as the Board of Advisors, and will meet on the third Tuesday of each month. And nine committees have been established, which need active members. We hope that you will consider joining one or more (see the piece below for more information). Our support groups are running on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and membership grows at each meeting. You'll find more details about these meetings below. As of last month, the Franklin based Community of HOPE support group is an official Learn to Cope chapter and will continue to meet Monday nights from 7-8:30 at the UU church in Franklin. This Is an enormous accomplishment in such a short period of time. Thanks to Kathy and Derek Getchell who made this happen. Our website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed are now live and feeding information and resources to those in need, thanks to Communications Chair Alexa Manocchio. We have an active group of youths -- led by Franklin Town Councilor Robert Dellorco and student Ben Waters -- that is growing each day and keeping us up to speed with the needs and issues facing students and their peers. We are working on additional programs for our coalition meetings, with events tentatively scheduled through March 2016. And we have begun production of a video series which will serve as an additional resource for the community in dealing with this public health crisis. We adopted a mission statement which captures the strength and spirit of our organization. It reads as follows: S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can't, we can. As you can see, it has been an incredible few months. We are committed to addressing this public health crisis, and hope that you will continue to partner with us. Please continue to spread the word about S.A.F.E., encourage your friends to sign up for this newsletter by clicking here, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is in need. We'll do our best to get you on the right path. SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE Learn to Cope has begun meeting on Monday evenings at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 262 Chestnut Street in Franklin at 7 p.m. The group offers support for families struggling with addiction and recovery. Its preserves anonymity and creates a safe place for people and families in crisis. For more information visit the website at http://learn2cope.org/, call Kathy Getchell at (774)893-3878, or email her at kathyg17@verizon.net Community of Hope hosts a family support group meeting every Wednesday night in the Milford Regional Medical Center, Hill Building, Woman's Pavilion, 4th Floor, in Milford. The program features a 12 step Big Book workshop for those suffering from addiction. For more information, contact Katie Truitt at (774)248-4526 or by email at ktruitt3@gmail.com  Healing Hearts has begun meeting on Thursday evenings on the second floor of the Franklin YMCA at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin at 7 p.m. The group offers support for families struggling with addiction and recovery. Its preserves anonymity and creates a safe place" for people and families in crisis. For more information, call (508) 570-6996 or send an email to Healingheartscircle@gmail.com. View all the text of this email in your browser Copyright © 2015 Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in joining the fight against obioid abuse in our community. Our mailing address is: Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov State House - Room 527A

In the News: Tri-County conf room, Pellegri runs for Town Council

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School dedicated the school’s main office conference room to founding school committee members Louis E. (Ted) Hoegler, of Walpole, and Robert J. Rappa, of Franklin, during a ceremony on Oct. 21.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151025/NEWS/151027268/1994/NEWS

Longtime Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri is looking to serve the town in a different capacity during her retirement - as a member of the Town Council.
Pellegri, a lifelong resident, is one of 14 candidates seeking nine council seats in Franklin's Nov. 3 election. After 31 years in office, she will retire as clerk next month.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151025/NEWS/151026925/1994/NEWS

Franklin Turkey Trot 5K Family Run - Thanksgiving morning

Run Now Gobble Later at the Franklin Turkey Trot 5K Family Run on Thanksgiving morning at 8:00 AM. 

Online registration is open at www.feedtheneed.org. 

There will be free t-shirts to the first 100 people to pick-up their race packets. Along with free breakfast items and raffle at the end of the race.

Last year we raised $6175.00 and 1800 pounds of food at the race for the Franklin Food Pantry, let's keep the tradition going

Yes, it had snowed overnight before the race on Thanksgiving morning. Will it do so again?

Town Council Summary: TIF approved, Library renovation to take 1 year and $11.5M

The published agenda was adjusted during the meeting to get most of the Council business done before the recognition of the retirement of Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri and to work around the public hearing scheduled for the Lewis St resolution.

The Tax Increment Finance (TIF) agreement for Cole Chain was approved. This is a growing company looking to relocate to the Forge Hill Industrial Park. Franklin was able to make this happen in about 3 weeks. This is due to the work already done before hand by the town functional groups to coordinate the TIF process.

During the recent reconstruction of the Lewis and Crocker Sts, it was discovered that there were 8 houses that still owned part of Lewis St. The owners signed over the rights to the middle of the road so that Franklin could officially take ownership of the and thereby cover themselves for the roadwork already underway.

There was a presentation by the Library Building Committee who came forward with the more detailed plans for the renovation and addition to the Library. The price almost doubled to 11.5M. The other interesting news was the decision to shut the building and temporarily operate the library services from some other site to be determined for one year. If the decision was not to shut, the construction would have been messier getting around the vehicles and taken 18-24 months. Shutting the building allows the construction to speed up and complete in the one year time frame.

screen grab of the presentation showing the new Library at night

As Franklin has some debt capacity within the operating budget, there is no increase planned for the tax rate (other than the normal 'automatic' 2.5%). Franklin can effectively self-fund the work for the library as they have for the building of the downtown fire station, the Senior center, the Historical Museum, etc.

Deborah Pellegri and Andrew Dowd

The recognition of Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri's retirement brought forth commendations from many parties. The listing is contained in the detailed notes reported live during the meeting. 

Deborah Pellegri and Rep Jeff Roy

Steve Williams was also recognized for his service with proclamations from the MA House and Senate. He is not running for re-election to the Town Council.

Senator Karen Spilka, Steve Williams, Rep Jeff Roy

For additional details on the meeting as reported live from the room check these links

• Live reporting: Closing

• Live reporting - recognition of Town Clerk, Debbie...

• Live reporting: remaining legislation for action

• Live reporting: Town Council - October 21, 2015

School Committee - Oct 13, 2105 - Meeting Summary

The School Committee meeting of Tuesday, October 13 lasted approximately 50 minutes and covered the following items:

The Annie Sullivan and Remington Middle School Improvement Plans were reviewed. Copies are available. (Recall the Horace Mann Improvement Plan was covered in the last Sep meeting.)

Superintendent Sabolinski provided the School Committee an overview of the NEASC accreditation process as it had been about 10 years since the last on site visit. The completion of the new FHS building had finally taken the district off warning status. The visit had been scheduled initially for the first year of the school operation and by mutual agreement with NEASC was rescheduled to 2017.

The policy on family leave was reviewed for an update and the policy on international students was recommended for removal. The international student policy was significantly out of date and as the school district was not accepting outside students for School Choice, there was no capacity for international students. Franklin students do get to travel internationally so the interchange is covered on that front.

Superintendent Sabolinski received her review and was marked 'exemplary'. Other School Committee members concurred with the results of the subcommittee. 

Of note: Asst Superintendent Sally Winslow will be retiring at the end of the current school year. She will be missed after being here seven years. Up for discussion and vote at the next School Committee meeting will be the recommendation for Peter Light to move into Sally's Asst Superintendent spot with Paul Peri moving into Peter's role as principal at FHS.

Additional details can be found in the notes as reported live during the meeting:

• Live reporting: School Committee closing
• Live reporting: Action items
• Live reporting: Discussion only items - policy upd...
• NEASC Update to the School Committee
• Middle School Improvement Plans - Annie Sullivan, ...
• Live reporting: School Committee - Oct 13, 2015
• Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 13, ...

Protesters needed for important Fracked Gas Conference in Boston Monday!

Hi, 350Mass pipeline fighters,

Now that earlier this month the DPU authorized itself to give permission to utilities to sign long-term contracts with gas companies, the vultures are circling!  We just heard about an important fracked gas pipeline conference on Monday and--guess what--we're having a protest to draw public attention to this nasty development!

image from Facebook event

We'll meet at 2:30 pm at the baseball fields at the Boston Common before heading out to the conference.  Bring signs, especially about the gas tariff.  See the Facebook event page listed below for more details and to RSVP (if you don't do Facebook, let me know you're coming).

https://www.facebook.com/events/1052588228098901/

If you have any questions, call me since time is short.

Carolyn

508-473-3305 H

The Walker Family Pasta Dinner Fundraiser

Please help us raise funds to support the Walker Family in a difficult time. John Walker passed away suddenly last month and this fund is to help the Walker family with any expenses until his estate is settled. 

Pasta dinner will be served from 6:30-8:30 pm. Followed by entertainment and a photo booth. 

Facebook event photo of the Walker family

This is a family friendly event and we will have raffles and a silent auction. Cash bar is also available from 6:30-10:30pm. 

Tickets are $15 per adult and children 12 and under are $12. 

Any questions or to have tickets delivered please contact Sandy Brown at JSBjakey@yahoo.com or Teresa Fernald at HomeRepairSpecialists@verizon.net or 508-265-7846 by text or phone. 

Pre purchasing tickets with free delivery is available and encouraged. Tickets are also available at the door. This is a cash only event.


Friday, November 6 at 6:30pm - 10:30pm - at the Franklin Elks

Elizabeth's Bagels rewards voters with 20% off on Nov 3rd

One of Franklin's best assets are the amazing small businesses that gives our town it's charm and keep the community thriving. 

Besides encouraging employees to vote on Nov. 3rd, Elizabeth's Bagels is stepping up to thank Franklin voters by offering 20% off any order to Franklin residents that bring in their "I VOTED" sticker on Nov. 3rd. 

So put it in your calendars to head over to the Franklin High School gym to vote, ask for your "I Voted" sticker and then enjoy the best bagels in New England.

Elizabeth's bagels

#voteFranklin

Tri-County dedicates the "Louis E. Hoegler and Robert J. Rappa" Conference Room

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School dedicated the school’s main office conference room to Founding School Committee members Louis E. (Ted) Hoegler, of Walpole, and Robert J. Rappa, of Franklin, during a ceremony on Wednesday, October 21. 

Mr. Hoegler and Mr. Rappa joined family members, current and former School Committee members, former Tri-County superintendents John M. Jones and Barbara M. Renzoni, and Tri-County’s administrative team at a Dedication Ceremony for the Louis E. Hoegler and Robert J. Rappa Conference Room. 

Jones, School Committee Chairman Steven Trask, and Superintendent-Director Stephen F. Dockray lauded Mr. Hoegler and Mr. Rappa for their exemplary service to the students and faculty of Tri-County. Superintendent Dockray said it was fitting that the conference room be named after two individuals who have worked in it since the school first opened in 1977. 

“It is rather amazing when you think that both of these gentlemen have close to 80 combined years serving on Tri-County’s School Committee if you count the time they spent on the Building Committee prior to construction of the school,” said Dockray. 

Dockray added that both are integral members of the Budget Subcommittee and continue to support Tri-County students after graduation with the Hoegler Rappa Scholarship Fund. 

In addition to their contributions to Tri-County, both men are dedicated to their hometowns. Hoegler served as Town Clerk in Walpole for 28 years and as a Town Meeting Member, Charter Commission Member and a member of the 250th and 275th Town Celebration Committees. He was also appointed a trustee at Norfolk County Agricultural High School by governors Volpe, Sargent and Dukakis. 

Rappa worked as the Town of Franklin’s Treasurer-Collector for many years before moving on to Keefe Insurance Agency where he worked for 38 years. Mr. Rappa was a long-time member of the Board of Directors of the Dean Cooperative Bank. 

Founding School Committee members Robert J. Rappa, of Franklin, and Louis E. (Ted) Hoegler, of Walpole

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Emails to state your case for/against the proposed power plant expansion in Medway

Hi Steve!

I'm not sure if you've already posted this on Franklin Matters, but if people want to make their voice heard about the proposed power plant expansion in Medway, here are all of the contact emails together in one place along with my favorite quote from the MA Constitution :)  

 Thanks again for all you do to help keep us Franklin people informed!!!

image from Stop Medway Peaker Plant webpage

CALL TO ACTION:

A letter or e-mail written to one or more of these public officials is the most effective thing you can do.

Siting Board:

• Kathryn Sedor - Kathryn.Sedor@state.ma.us
• Barbara Shapiro - Barbara.Shapiro@state.ma.us

State Officials

• Senator Karen Spilka - Karen.Spilka@mastate.gov
• Representative Jeff Roy - Jeff.Roy@mahouse.gov

Board of Selectmen
Bos@townofmedway.org

Please mention "West Medway EFSB15-01" in the subject line.

You can find sample letters under "Contact Officials" on the www.stopmedwaypeaker.com website.

"The people shall have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment; and the protection of the people in their right to the conservation, development and utilization of the agricultural, mineral, forest, water, air and other natural resources is hereby declared to be a public purpose." Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Article 97.