Franklin.TV: Our Normal Returneth?

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 03/20/2022

After two years of COVID we are working on reopening our studio. I say ‘working on’ for a number of reasons. Topmost? Things are not simply what they were in 2019. We are entering a new time. This new time demands new thinking.

We are facing more technical changes, and with those, more operational changes. We also have to carefully consider how our staff (God bless ‘em.) can best balance a more flexible work schedule that now includes WFH. With our studio shuttered, they responded in time of COVID-crisis to get out there and cover as many live civic, school and sports events as possible. That meant working many more random nights and weekends. They made it happen without missing a beat.

We geared up, building small, portable TV control systems as ‘Flypaks’ that enable us to originate live from wherever with minimal setup effort. Our systems were also designed to be Zoom-friendly. We installed new systems in Town Chambers for effortless Zoom integration there as well.

Our radio operation became totally remote, with up to a dozen volunteers working, conducting guest interviews and producing programs from home via Zoom.

Now we’re headed back the other way, technically. We’re opening up studios that have been shuttered for the most part. But, they won’t be the same. They also must be Zoom-enabled. Our new normal brings new expectations. We also have to enable Zoom in the FHS auditorium, a very large venue with its own challenges.

The beginning of the pandemic forced us into technical overdrive for months in order to meet the challenges of TV and radio production in 2020.

Now, at the end of the pandemic in 2022 (hopefully) we need to rework our studios, our gear and production skills to integrate Zoom on demand – whenever, wherever. We also plan to work on integrating radio and TV programming where possible. Life in 2019 B.C. (Before COVID) feels like quaint ancient history.  Now, in 2022 A.D. (After Disaster) our lives are filled with change.

The only constant in life – is change. - Heraclitus

Do we simply succumb to it, or – do we master it? 

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching. 

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

Franklin.TV: Our Normal Returneth?

This Franklin For All Discussion reveals insights on process and accessory dwelling units - 03/15/22 (audio)

FM #755 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 755 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with several members of the Economic Development “Plus” Committee to talk about the Franklin For All process. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Mar 15, 2022.  

• Chair, Melanie Hamblen, Town Council 

• Beth Wierling, member of the Planning Board

• Cobi Frongillo, member of the Town Council

• Bruce Hunchard, chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals

 

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen to the conversation about the Franklin For All project and process. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-755-franklin-for-all-discussion-03-15-22

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Respond to the survey by April 1 => https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bDBzodBPnt8a5Ce  

Franklin For All Forum - March 7, 2022

• Transcript =>  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WEsjmEFESie06Bx4bAOSxhMbhpY45gsL/view?usp=sharing

• Audio recording => https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-748-franklin-for-all-forum-03-07-22

• Video recording =>  https://youtu.be/9fewoumulN4 

 

Franklin For All project page ->  https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/ 

 

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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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

This Franklin For All Discussion reveals insights

FHS's Red Cross Club's First Aid Kit fundraiser - Mar 25 and/or Mar 26, 2022

The FHS Red Cross Club will be partnering with Pokemoto: Hawaiian Poke, in order to raise money for first aid kit supplies.

Come by and purchase a poke bowl or some dole whip! 40% of the sales will go towards the first aid kits, which will be going to members of the Franklin community and homeless shelters in the area. 

To order online -> https://order.snackpass.co/Pokemoto-Franklin-270-Franklin-Village-Dr-60ff13ca92ea1201100d12b8

FHS's Red Cross Club's First Aid Kit fundraiser - Mar 25 and/or Mar 26, 2022

Deep drilling for geothermal: "It’s a high-risk, high-reward situation"

"Miles below ground, where pressures are intense and temperatures far exceed the boiling point of water, dense layers of super-hot rocks offer the promise of a natural, inexhaustible supply of clean energy. 

Environmentalists have long dreamed of a way to reach those depths to tap the potential geothermal energy in those rocks, but the technological and financial barriers have been too great. 

Now, officials at an MIT spinoff say they believe they’ve figured out how to drill as deep as 12 miles into the Earth’s crust, using a special laser that they say is powerful enough to blast through granite and basalt. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/18/science/an-effort-rid-world-fossil-fuels-an-mit-spinoff-plans-dig-deepest-holes-earth/

“By drilling deeper, hotter, and faster than ever before possible, Quaise aspires to provide abundant and reliable clean energy for all humanity"

Related article in Boston Globe
https://apps.bostonglobe.com/science/environment/climate/graphics/2022/03/deep-geothermal-drilling/

DOER stretch building codes get comments from Attorney General Healey

The comment period on the proposed stretch goals for building codes closed on Friday, Mar 18, 2022. There had been news articles reporting that Attorney General Maura Healey's office had turned down some local legislation for Brookline because the State rules did not allow them to go that far. Her office issued comments on Friday that confirmed DOER had the right to continue with the stretch goals to allow a community to go all electric.

Reporter David Abel's article in Feb on the stretch goals

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/08/science/significant-step-reducing-emissions-state-proposes-new-building-codes-promote-energy-efficiency/

Reporter David Abel's tweet on the comments by Healey's office:

"Attorney General Maura Healey told state officials today they have the authority to create an energy code that allows municipalities to ban the use of oil and gas in future construction projects"

AG's office comments on stretch building code goals

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/davabel/status/1504990705973972998

Article on the rejection of Brookline's local control 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/healey-again-rejects-brookline-anti-fossil-fuel-bylaws/

For more on climate issues, check out the Globe's new section (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/science/environment/climate/

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - March 22, 2022

Franklin School Committee

March 22, 2022 = 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Ms. Spencer 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence 

FY23 Budget Open Hearing 

• Presentation doc ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy23_public_budget_hearing.pdf
• Budget documents link -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy-2023-budget

I. Routine Business 

A. Review of Agenda 

B. Citizen’s Comments 

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made ….  A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment ….  The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH 

C. FHS Student Representative Comments 

D. Superintendent’s Report 

II. Guests/Presentations 

A. none 

III. Discussion/Action Items 

A. Policy – 2nd Readings / Adoptions I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed: 

● BEDB – Order of Business 

● BEDH – Public Participation at School Committee Meetings 

● EBCFA – Face Coverings 

● JICFB - Bullying 

IV. Discussion Only Items 

A. none 

V. Information Matters 

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Space Needs/Facilities Assessment) 

B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, (SATF) Substance Abuse Task Force, (SWAC) School Wellness Advisory Council, (SEPAC) Special Education Parent Advisory Council, (DEI) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee). 

VI. New Business 

A.  To discuss any future agenda items 

VII. Consent Agenda 

A. Approval of Minutes 

I recommend approval of the minutes of the March 1, 2022 special meeting and the March 8, 2022 regular School Committee Meeting as detailed. 

B. Recurring Field Trip 

I recommend approval of the request of Beth Jenson & Jennifer Martinelli to take Keller 5th graders to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on May 27, 2022 as detailed. 

C. Budget Transfers 

I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed. 

D. JFK Gift I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,240.80 from the JFK PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed. 

E. Scholarship 

I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from Takashi & Keiko Kitanosono for a FHS Scholarship as detailed. 

F. RMS Gift 

I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,299.94 from Lifetouch/Shutterfly, LLC for in-house enrichment at Remington Middle School as detailed. 

G. Music Gift 

I recommend acceptance of a check for $230.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment for the Music Dept. as detailed. 

H. Jefferson Gifts 

I recommend the acceptance of two checks totaling $5,101.64 for Jefferson Elementary School as follows: 

Donors Choose $101.64  Supplemental Supplies 

Jefferson PCC $5,000.00  Field Trips 

VIII. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer 

IX. Payroll Ms. Stokes 

X. Executive Session 

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares. 

b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with non-union personnel. 

XI. Adjournment

Agenda document ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-22-22.pdf

Agenda packet -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-22-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - March 22, 2022

Ted McIntyre helps me with Marking Sense of Climate - Part 5 - 03/15/22 (audio)

FM #753 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 753 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Mar 15, 2022.  

This is part 5 of a series on Marking Sense of Climate. Ted helps me “make sense of climate” and we hope this 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 recording runs about 49 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre as he helps me “make sense of climate.”

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-754-making-sense-of-climate-5-03-15-22

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Links that are our talking points for this episode

Transit system electrification
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/state-news-roundup-health-care-costs.html

NY Times article on induction cookers -> https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-induction-cooktop/ 

DOER Stretch goals (deadline extended to March 18 to submit input)

• Link to read the details ->  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stretch-energy-code-development-2022 
• Email to provide feedback  stretchcode@mass.gov 
• WBUR’s explainer ->  https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/03/17/massachusetts-energy-environmental-building-code-proposal-explainer

Good first step wind bill, but Baker objects over fees…
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/02/opinion/offshore-wind-is-future-massachusetts/?event=event12
https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/regional/2022/03/04/mass-house-offshore-wind-bill-faces-headwinds-baker/9373537002/
 
Municipal Light Plants (MLP) and the Peabody Peaker
New studies find cheaper to 'buy from market'
Hunger strikers oppose construction


Ukraine…
Debate No-fly zone etc….
Hundreds of millions to Russia every day for gas.
daily payment to Russia for EU gas
https://www.voanews.com/a/despite-sanctions-europe-continues-to-bankroll-russia-for-gas-oil/6465223.html

McKibben’s piece on “heat pumps for peace”   https://billmckibben.substack.com/p/heat-pumps-for-peace-and-freedom?s=r 

If you have a question to raise, you can use this form -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/ask-franklin-matters-you-ask-question.html
 
Original Climate link = The 13 point article we talk to -> From WBUR -> “What you need to know about the new MASS Climate law” https://www.wbur.org/news/2021/03/26/new-mass-climate-law-faq
 
Mass Climate Action Network -> https://www.massclimateaction.org/recs 
 
--------------

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!

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

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

NY Times - Wirecutter - induction cook tops (Photo: Michael Murtaugh)