What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, July 11, 2024?

Thursday, July 11

10:30am Learn to Play Ukulele (Franklin Public Library)

4:30pm Pizza & Movie Night: Ordinary Angels (ticketed event) (Franklin Senior Center)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

9:00pm Joshua David (live music) (3 Restaurant)

**  Town Meetings today

• Conservation Commission Meeting

Event Date:  Thursday, July 11, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/07-11_conservation_agenda.docx.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events    

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Summer Sunday Worship Series: The Artist Within - July 14, 2024

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for June 30, 2024 through July, 2024.  

Please join us each Sunday as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity,  Interdependence, 

Justice, Pluralism and Love.

Summer Sunday Worship Series: The Artist Within - July 14, 2024

All services start at 10:00 AM

Afterwards, please plan to stay for cookies and conversation.

UU Value of Generosity: The Artist Within - July 14, 2024

Lay Leader: Sue Sheridan 

Creativity is an inherent quality in every person. The natural inclination to create 

and innovate is a fundamental part of human nature.  Sue Sheridan, an accomplished artist, and Lay Leader at FUSF, will explore how the visual arts, and painting in particular, can provide a pathway to creativity; and perhaps even lead to a sense of communion with something greater than ourselves. By viewing paintings and describing the creative process involved, Sue will explore how to access the artist within. As one of our UU values states, Generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality. By sharing our gifts of creativity with one another, we are cultivating a spirit of gratitude and hope.

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our Interim Minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org. 

 

Master Plan Update Cmte conducts public hearing, gets feedback to consider (video)

The Franklin Master Plan Update Committee conducted a public hearing on Wednesday, July 10. While they only shared the high level goals, the objectives that drive the goals were teased but not revealed, there were a number of worthy comments to add to the items under consideration.

The Franklin TV video can be found here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK0miWgTjaU

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-_july_10_2024.docx.pdf

The presentation doc (note the doc differs slightly from that shared via the broadcast) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee/files/draft-goals-presentation

My full set of notes captured during the meeting ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nF1FzxJfke50IOjftj5Xqum8QFtSDozP/view?usp=drive_link

Master Plan Update Cmte conducts public hearing, gets feedback to consider (video)

La Cantina fRUNdraiser to Support Franklin Food Pantry’s Falmouth Road Race Team - July 19

Support the Franklin Food Pantry’s Falmouth Road Race Team by attending a fRUNdraiser at La Cantina Winery 230 Cottage St. in Franklin on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m.  Tickets are $30 and include live music, door prizes, choice of beverage, and small bites. 

All proceeds benefit The Pantry. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at: https://bit.ly/45XZ7OZ

 

The 52nd running of the Falmouth Road Race takes place on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Volunteer and Board Member Amber Baur leads The Pantry’s team of six runners as they take on the iconic 7-mile seaside course and raise money to fight food insecurity in our community.

 

For more information, visit The Pantry’s website at www.franklinfoodpantry.org/falmouthroadrace

La Cantina fRUNdraiser to Support Franklin Food Pantry’s Falmouth Road Race Team - July 19

Possible questions for November's state ballot

Via the Boston Globe:

"Millions of Massachusetts voters will hit the polls in November to cast a presidential ballot. They also could rewrite state laws in ways unseen in decades.

Possible ballot questions

Unions, advocates, and out-of-state groups are pushing to put five ballot questions before voters this fall, creating what would be the largest single slate in 24 years. The breadth of the lineup appears likely to spur one of the most expensive ballot question campaigns in Massachusetts history, with groups collectively having spent millions of dollars before the ballot has even been finalized.

For voters, that not only could mean enduring an onslaught of political advertising, but also wrestling with weighty policy decisions. Should the state scrap MCAS exams as a graduation requirement, reversing years of educational standards? Should it legalize psychedelic mushrooms? Should ride-share drivers be allowed to unionize?"

Continue reading the article at the Globe -> (Subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/07/10/metro/massachusetts-five-ballot-questions-november-election/

Later this year, the "red book" of information on the ballot questions will be made available by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. 

Creative practice database opens for artists and creatives to share info

Dept. of Arts, Culture and the Creative economy has launched the Franklin Creative Database to centralize artist and creative information for our community.

Fill out our quick survey (linked in our profile) to share what creative practices you’re involved in and what opportunities you’re looking for! And we’ll make the magic happen 🪩💕

Have questions? Reach out to Cory Shea (cshea@franklinma.gov)

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C9NuMcdRbrK/

Direct link to creative database survey ->   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQKbL7Hh8gb7mb702novUekdB0P5_ksPf4_v88hNXxySA6ig/viewform

Creative practice database opens for artists and creatives to share info

School Committee gets updates on FY 25 budget, redistricting, new website in only July meeting (audio)

FM #1243 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1234 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. 6 members participated, 5 in chambers, one remote (Gallagher), one was absent (Sompally).

Quick recap:

• FY 2025 budget update - provided status on the hiring process, 29 open positions, multiple moving parts, jobs posted, recruiting active, some already hired (# not specified). 

• Awaiting word on possible move of the Town Council to add another $1M at their meeting July 17. These funds, if approved, would be used for non-personnel restoration of programs, supplies, etc.

• Redistricting status update - work progressing, principals announced, asst principals announcement forthcoming, work on the district alignment progressing, still working toward a release target of Sept/Oct. Date likely to be available later this summer. The info would go to the School Committee for review.

• New website published as of July 1. Mobile client available for download to Apple or Android devices. Links still being fixed, content generally there and items being added as identified.

The recording runs about 70 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1243-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-07-09-24

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEwItlrKSTE

Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_5.pdf     

Meeting packet folder -> (other docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting)  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2023---24-meeting-packets/june-18%2C-2024/653629 

My notes in one PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MyqmefrU9Uc0hDTPGUs1Jm8sulLGFybI/view?usp=drive_link 

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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 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!

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

new website as of July 1, mobile version available

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, July 11, 2024

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Thursday

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p Turntable – with Dave Butler and Paul Guarino
Our 2-hour deep dive into the great albums

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Frank Presents – Notable Local Conversations

 

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = Thursday

7:00 am Fallen Heroes Pt 4

7:30 am Veterans' Call: Matt Ching Pt. 1

9:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Twisted Sisters

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah

12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Italian Sausage

1:00 pm Strawberry Stroll 2024

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 4

3:00 pm Riffing on Main Street: Amy Adams

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

5:00 pm Chef Showdown

6:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 9 - Coronas

8:00 pm 4th of July Festivities

9:00 pm Endless Konnections Kitchen: Poached Pears

10:00 pm PorchFest Pt 1

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel           (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = Thursday

7:00 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Band

8:30 am Public School Event: FHS Summer Music 2021

11:00 am FHS Graduation 2024

1:30 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

2:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

4:30 pm FHS Varsity Softball v St. Paul Diocesan 06-01-24

8:30 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = Thursday

8:00 am Conservation Commission 06-13-24

12:00 pm Davis Thayer Re-Use Advisory 06-25-24

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 06-13-24

7:00 pm Conservation Commission  CHAMBERS  945 2425 0062

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, July 10, 2024?

Wednesday, July 10

10:30am Todd Brodeur Frisbee Demo (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Scribblers - writing group (Franklin Senior Center)

3:30pm Petite Picassos (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Charcuterie Cup Workshop (ticketed event) (La Cantina Winery)

**  Town Meetings today

• Master Plan Committee - Public Hearing (Council Chambers)

Event Date:  Wednesday, July 10, 2024 - 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee/agenda/master-plan-public-hearing-agenda

• Franklin Historical Commission Meeting

Event Date:  Wednesday, July 10, 2024 - 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fhc_agenda__0.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events    

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

The Hockomock Area YMCA Invites Businesses and Individuals to Pitch in and Support the Y’s 9th Annual Community Backpack Drive

Operation Backpack is now underway at the Hockomock Area YMCA and seeks the support of local businesses and individuals. Committed to building healthy, confident, connected, and secure children, the YMCA has a goal of providing fully stocked backpacks to the community before the fall school year begins. 

 

Operation Backpack

“Bringing together donors and volunteers to support area families in need reflects our Y’s commitment to serve and strengthen our communities,” says Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Having access to backpacks and supplies is integral to a student’s success. As many families in our area face financial difficulties, we want to make sure that all kids have the supplies they need to start the upcoming school year off right. Your support with this Backpack Drive will help children and neighbors in need in our 15 town service area.”  

 

New supplies and backpacks are requested now through August 9th. The Backpack Drive is a collaborative effort made possible by YMCA staff, program participants, partners, and neighbors to provide kids with the confidence that comes when boys and girls are able to go to school prepared. 

Donation bins are located at all Hockomock Area YMCA facilities: Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic Street, Foxborough; Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin; Mansfield Arts & Education Center, 40 Balcom Street, Mansfield; and Hurley Family Branch, 300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro.  

 

Y’s 9th Annual Community Backpack Drive

Community members who would like to sponsor the Backpack Drive are asked to contact Patrick Murphy at 508-643-5262 or via email at patrickm@hockymca.org. Sponsorship levels range from $500, which will provide 20 backpacks to students in need, to Presenting Sponsor at $10,000, which is a giving level ensuring that 500 children will receive needed supplies. Be sure to inquire about all sponsorship levels by contacting the Y today. 

In addition to monetary donations, the Y is requesting the following supplies: backpacks for all ages including elementary, middle school, and high school, pencil boxes for all ages, binders, notebooks and folders. Complete details and how to help are available at hockymca.org/backpack-drive.  

 

About Hockomock Area YMCA: 

Where Cause Meets Community.  At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening the community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.  

 

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org.  

School Committee gets updates on FY 25 budget, redistricting, new website in only July meeting (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled Tuesday, July 9 or their only formal session in July. 6 members participated, 5 in chambers, one remote (Gallagher), one was absent (Sompally)

Quick recap:

• FY 2025 budget update - provided status on the hiring process, 29 open positions, multiple moving parts, jobs posted, recruiting active, some already hired (# not specified). 
• Awaiting word on possible move of the Town Council to add another $1M at their meeting July 17. These funds, if approved, would be used for non-personnel restoration of programs, supplies, etc.
• Redistricting status update - work progressing, principals announced, asst principals announcement forthcoming, work on the district alignment progressing, still working toward a release target of Sept/Oct. Date likely to be available later this summer. The info would go to the School Committee for review.
• New website published as of July 1. Mobile client available for download to Apple or Android devices. Links still being fixed, content generally there and items being added as identified.

The agenda doc ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_5.pdf

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEwItlrKSTE

My full set of notes captured during the meeting in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MyqmefrU9Uc0hDTPGUs1Jm8sulLGFybI/view?usp=drive_link

new website as of July 1, mobile version available

Second Sunday Speaker at Franklin Historical Museum to Talk Bridal Fashion - Karen “Ren” Antonowicz - July 14

Karen “Ren” Antonowicz

Sunday, July 14, the Franklin Historical Museum will be offering a conversation on bridal fashion with Karen “Ren” Antonowicz, a popular speaker and fashion expert who has presented at the museum before. Much of her presentation will refer to the large collection of bridal gowns on display at the museum through Aug. 4. 

Antonowicz received her Master’s Degree in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising, and Design, with a concentration in Historic Costume & Textiles from the University of RI.  She then taught History of Fashion and other courses full time at the college level for 13 years, and taught part time in the CE Program at the RI School of Design.

In the meantime, Ren and her husband, Mike, opened Nostalgia Antiques & Collectibles, a 3-floor co-op located on historic Wickenden St. in Providence, RI and ran the business for five years.

Doors open at 1:00 PM and the presentation begins at 1:15 at Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, Franklin, MA. FREE

 

The gift shop is open during regular museum hours, Saturday mornings 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Come in and find your history.

Fire Department Press Release on Hazmat Incident - July 9 (video)

Via the Franklin Fire Dept:

"At 8:56AM on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, the Franklin Fire Department received a fire alarm at 38 Forge Parkway. The first arriving Franklin Fire Department units were advised of a small fire which self-extinguished and a chemical leak by the building occupants.

After consulting with a chemist on site, fire companies investigated and found a smoke or vapor condition in a process room within the facility.

The building was fully evacuated, and a Tier 2 Hazardous Materials response from the Department of Fire Services was requested. Upon the Hazardous Materials Team arrival, a Tier 3 response was requested bringing 45 Hazardous Materials Technicians to the scene. 

The Hazardous Materials team made entry and was able to safely mitigate the hazard. There were no injuries during this entire event due to the great coordination among multiple agencies. The scale of the response was partly based upon the reactivity of the chemical which was determined to be Sodium Potassium.

This was an isolated incident confined to one room inside the business.

The incident was brought under control by 2pm and all crews cleared by 3:30pm.

Thank you to all of the agencies that responded including the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services State Hazardous Materials Team."

Shared from -> https://x.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1810767533206818866

The Little Shop of Olive Oils schedules DIY Charcuterie Class - July 17

The Little Shop of Olive Oils shared

"Join us for an unforgettable DIY Charcuterie Class at The Little Shop of Olive Oils! 

Get your Tickets 👉 https://t.co/v7KKeZMjOb

#CharcuterieClass #WinePairing #GourmetExperience #LittleShopOfOliveOils

Shared from -> https://t.co/r4TfuCAb5B

The Little Shop of Olive Oils schedules DIY Charcuterie Class - July 17

Prospect Street Closed for Road Work - July 11, 2024

Prospect street will be closed between Lake Street and Oxford tomorrow for road work.  Detours will be in place.  

Road work should be completed by 5pm tomorrow.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/prospect-street-closed-road-work-july-11-2024

Prospect Street Closed for Road Work - July 11, 2024

You can be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics

Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics? See below for ways to get involved!

You can be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics

Ideas and Solutions

Want some tips to find out how you can reduce plastic waste? The good news is, anyone can get involved. You can start out small, or really challenge yourself! Get inspired using the menu options at this link: https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/get-involved/what-you-can-do/

Plastic Free Pledge

This year’s Plastic Free July campaign focuses on small changes each of us can make to reduce plastic waste under the slogan “Small steps, big difference”. Each year millions of Plastic Free July participants from over 190 countries worldwide are together making a big difference by choosing to refuse single-use plastic. An astonishing 10 billion kgs of household waste has been avoided by participants over the last five year because millions of people choose to make a change for cleaner streets, healthy oceans,  and beautiful communities or just to do the right thing. Choose one single-use plastic to avoid or take the pledge to avoid single-use cups, plastic drink bottles, or plastic food wrap. These “Top 3” items are single-use plastic items we commonly use each day that most of us can be easily replaced by;

• Refilling reusable water bottles from the tap
• Bringing a reusable cup or sitting and enjoy a real cup
• Switching from plastic wrap to reusable containers or wax wraps.

Take the pledge here: https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/take-the-challenge/ 

Take the Challenge

Whether you’re a beginner looking for a few single-use plastics to avoid, ready to take next steps or want to share with others, we have ideas to inspire you at home, work, school, and within the community. Best of all, being part of Plastic Free July will help you to find great alternatives that can become new habits forever.

• Take the challenge- this link (https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/take-the-challenge/) will open in a new window and get ideas, solutions, stories of other participants and news from across the global movement
• Do the Plastic Free July Quiz- this link (https://survey.thinkfieldpanel.com.au/wcfs/29402) will open in a new window (it takes less than 5 minutes) to discover the items you use and decide what you’d like to choose to refuse
• Decide to take your first step- this link (https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/get-involved/what-you-can-do/category/getting-started/) will open in a new window or really challenge yourself- this link (https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/get-involved/what-you-can-do/category/next-steps/#categories) will open in a new window!

Go the Distance

From now through October 31st, Adventure Scientists looking for volunteers to visit any national park or National Park-managed land, like Yellowstone or Lake Clark, in the United States to record plastic trash, including the amount and type of trash, and submit via a survey on your smartphone. Remember, taking the trash with you and disposing of it is always appreciated. Anyone can participate; all you need is a smartphone, a visit to a national park or NPS-managed land, and to complete a short training online. Thanks to you, Adventure Scientists removed 8,177 pieces of trash from 31 parks last year and helped inform pollution solutions for our parks.

There are 18 National Parks or NPS-Land in Massachusetts alone. Where will you visit? To see all Parks and NPS-managed land click this link: https://www.nps.gov/findapark/advanced-search.htm?s=MA&p=1&v=0

For more information on Plastic Free July® see here: https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/

The Lincoln Project: Aftermath (video)

"Donald Trump’s plan for America is no secret. Beating Trump this November is the only mission. The Lincoln Project invites you to take a peek at the terrible future Donald Trump would impose on America.

The Lincoln Project is a leading pro-democracy organization in the United States — dedicated to the preservation, protection, and defense of democracy. Our fight against Trumpism is only beginning. We must combat these forces everywhere and at all times — our democracy depends on it. "

video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpLpOtFNFWg 

Note: As mentioned last week, I generally avoid big party politics. As the election season leading to November 2024 develops, I will share something worthy of conversation so we can maintain a democratic process. It is not perfect, we are working towards a more perfect union, but it could be a whole lot worse.